Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Basarbovo rock monastery – a veritable gem in the valley of Rusenski Lom

Photo: library

The Basarbovo rock monastery, named after St. Dimitar Basarbovski, is located among the cliffs of the river Rusenski Lom near the village of Basarbovo. It is now the only functioning monastery in Bulgaria, hewn out into rocks. It has survived through the ages, along with the other rock monasteries in the vicinity, near Ivanovo village. They too are perched on the rocks surrounding the river.

The beginnings of the Basarbovo rock cloister go back to the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom – 7th-9th century, but it is made mention of for the first time in an Ottoman tax register in 1431. Its most famous inhabitant is saint Dimitar Besarabovski from Basarbovo village, born in 1685.

In our day the monastery attracts many tourists. The path leading to it cuts across a beautiful garden, ending at a well that was dug by Saint Dimitar himself. The locals believe that the waters of the well are healing.

Find out more about Basarbovo monastery here. 

Editing by Veneta Nikolova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Christmas Eve in traditional Bulgarian culture

The night before Christ's Nativity in Bulgarian folklore culture is known by several names. Of course, most often we call it Christmas Eve, and the main meaning of the traditions and rituals of the holiday is well-known - it is a holiday of humility,..

published on 12/24/23 8:30 AM

The December series of holidays starts with the days of Saints Barbara, Sava and Nicholas

A series of holidays starts in December, taking us closer to the shared moments of comfort and love on Christmas Eve. "Varvara boils it, Sava roasts it, Nikola welcomes guests." this is how Bulgarian people describe the..

published on 12/4/23 3:17 PM

The Christmas fasting - 40 days of spiritual purification before the glorious Nativity

On November 15, the second longest fasting in the Bulgarian Orthodox tradition begins, which is preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. ‎ It is believed that, although it lasts 40 days, the Christ's Nativity fast is not as..

published on 11/15/23 9:44 AM