Klisura Monastery, Sofia Eparchy, Orthodox monastery in Stara Planina mountains, Bulgaria.
Klisura Monastery is an Orthodox monastic community in the Stara Planina mountains, with a church, chapel, residential buildings, extensive grounds, and a spring at the foot of the Todorini Kukli peaks. The complex occupies a unified site that blends naturally with the surrounding mountain terrain.
This monastery was founded in 1240 and later suffered major damage during the Ottoman occupation period. Reconstruction began in 1742, supported by donations from local communities who worked to restore the site.
The resident nuns maintain an active iconography workshop where they create religious art following the Ohrid school tradition. Their work is visible in the daily rhythm of the monastery and connects the community to centuries of Byzantine artistic practice.
The monastery is best reached by taking the road toward Montana through Petrohan Pass, passing Barziya village, and continuing toward the site. The location is accessible via established mountain roads and visitors will find clear directions through this elevated region.
Within the monastery grounds is a museum displaying historical photographs, documents, liturgical objects, and religious icons spanning different eras. The collection tells stories of the community's past through items that might otherwise remain hidden from visitors.
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