Cherepish Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Iskar Gorge, Bulgaria
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
