The high concentration of monasteries and churches near the Bulgarian capital city is called the Sofia Sveta Gora (Holy Mountain) complex. Nobody knows the exact number of temples, chapels, churches, springs and consecrated places in the area. Some of them have been restored while others have been forgotten. However, pilgrimage tours to these spiritual centers bring peace and joy to many believers. For others exploring these places is a good way to touch the depths of Bulgarian spiritual heritage and to learn more about the centuries-old history of Christianity in these lands. 

 
In an attempt to promote pilgrimage tourism, the Sofia Municipality together with the Faculty of Theology of the Sofia University, have been active in the development of specialized routes that lead to some of the most emblematic monasteries in the Sofia Sveta Gora. In the Middle Ages the former town of Sredets was one of the biggest spiritual centers in Bulgarian lands. This explains the high concentration of temples and sacred sites in the area. The best known Bulgarian monastery of St. Ivan Rilski is situated south from Sofia and although it is not considered part of the Sofia Sveta Gora, it is one of the most visited religious sites in the country. Built in the 14th century it was named after the heavenly protector of Bulgaria. A six-day hiking route, which starts from the St. Sofia Basilica downtown the capital city leads to the Rila Monastery, but before reaching it pilgrims need to cross three mountains – Vitosha, Verila, and part of the Rila Mountain. But this is not just a hike along cultural and historical landmarks but also a spiritual journey. "It is a remembrance associated with the transfer of the relics of the saint to the monastery by his disciples," says Tsvetelin Mihaylov, expert in the Tourism Municipal Enterprise in Sofia.

"Clergymen go together with pilgrims and hold services in all chapels, churches and temples along the way. In fact, this is the main idea because it's not just about practicing a kind of tourism or crossing a mountain. There are morning and evening services held in various places. Generally, people who go to these tours are not so interested in historical landmarks and architecture, but are rather looking for a spiritual experience. These people want to experience the rich church life in these religious centers that unfortunately remains invisible to many." 
 
 
Each year the great number of monasteries, situated very close to the capital city of Sofia, attracts pilgrims from all over Bulgaria. Foreigners interested in religious tourism - mostly guests from Israel, Russia and Ukraine, also pay visits to these places. There are magnificent examples of Orthodox church architecture like the 11th-century Zemen monastery of "St. John the Theologian," which was restored recently, or the Etropole Holy Trinity Monastery, built from limestone in the 12th century. When Easter comes a pilgrimage to the St. Spas Monastery near Lozen is organized. The monastery was probably built in the 11th-12th century. Actually this is the easternmost of the monasteries forming the Sofia Sveta Gora. When Pentecost comes a pilgrimage tour to the Divotino monastery of the Holy Trinity is usually organized. It was built in 1046 and is one of the oldest preserved in the area.

English: Alexander Markov

Photos: archive