Church of the Holy Mother of God, Plovdiv, Eastern Orthodox church in Old Town Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
The Church of the Holy Mother of God is a three-nave brick structure rising on Nebet Tepe hill in the old quarters of the city. Inside, religious artworks and decorations fill the space with spiritual meaning.
Built in 1852, the structure replaced an earlier religious site from the 9th century that was destroyed during Ottoman conflicts. The building survived Ottoman rule and became a sign of renewed faith in the community.
Bulgarian-language worship began here instead of Greek services, marking the independence of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church from Constantinople. This linguistic shift made the place a symbol of national identity for local believers.
The church sits on Nebet Tepe hill and is easily reached on foot while walking through the old town. Visitors should know that access may shift depending on worship times, and modest clothing is respectfully expected.
A three-story domed bell tower was added after 1878 by architect Josef Schnitter to honor the Russian liberators of Bulgaria. This distinctive feature makes the church immediately recognizable from the street.
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