Kremikovtsi Monastery

Kremikovtsi Monastery is a medieval Orthodox monastery set on a rocky terrace overlooking the Sofia plain. The complex contains two churches and residential buildings enclosed within stone walls.

The monastery was founded during the Second Bulgarian Empire in the 14th century, then destroyed in 1398 and rebuilt by nobleman Radivoy in 1493. This reconstruction allowed it to develop into a center of artistic activity.

The interior walls display frescoes from the 15th century created by the Turnovo School, showing saints and martyrs in detailed and colorful compositions. These artworks reflect the religious vision of medieval Orthodox communities in the region.

The monastery is open to visitors and can be reached by following the visible church dome through the Kremikovtsi quarter, about 3 kilometers from Sofia. The route is clearly visible, making it straightforward for visitors to locate the site.

The Kremikovtsi Gospel, created at the monastery in 1497, demonstrates the high quality of the Sofia School of Literature and calligraphy. The manuscript exemplifies the craftsmanship that monks developed at this site during that period.