Cherepish Monastery

Cherepish Monastery is an Orthodox monastery located on the bank of the Iskar River between steep rock formations in the Vratsa mountain range. The complex comprises several buildings including a church, residential quarters, and service areas situated directly along the riverbank.

The monastery was founded in 1392 under Ivan Shishman and experienced multiple destructions and reconstructions during the Ottoman period in Bulgaria. Despite repeated damage, monks managed to preserve the site as a spiritual center.

The monastery holds a collection of 19th-century icons created by Tryvna artist Vitan Karchov and wall paintings by Yonko Popvitanov. These religious artworks shape the interior of the complex today and reflect the Orthodox spirituality of the region.

The monastery offers accommodation for about 30 visitors and features a traditional Bulgarian restaurant called Magernitsa. Its proximity to nature and accessibility via hiking trails make it a popular destination for day trips in the area.

The name Cherepish comes from the white bones of soldiers who died in a battle between Bulgarian and Ottoman forces. This dark etymology connects the monastery to the region's warlike past.

Location: Мездра

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Address: 3159 Sofia, Bulgaria

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-17:00

Phone: +359879803018

Website: http://bulgarianmonastery.com/bg/cherepish_monastery.html

GPS coordinates: 43.09368,23.61586

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:27