Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo

The complex features forty churches, chapels, and monasteries carved directly into limestone cliffs along the Rusenski Lom River.

Monks established this religious center in 1218, creating spaces for worship and meditation by carving chambers into the natural rock formations.

The preserved frescoes within the churches demonstrate medieval Bulgarian art techniques through religious scenes and decorative patterns from the 14th century.

Only the Church of the Holy Virgin remains accessible to visitors, requiring a climb up stone steps to reach the entrance.

The complex contains over 600 separate rooms spread across multiple levels within the cliff face, connected by a network of passages.

Location: Ruse

Location: Ivanovo

Inception: 13

Website: https://www.museumruse.com/portfolio-items/ivanovo/

Part of: 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria, Rousse Regional Historical Museum

Website: https://museumruse.com/portfolio-items/ivanovo

GPS coordinates: 43.69486,25.98789

Latest update: May 11, 2025 12:15