Transfiguration Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
The Transfiguration Monastery is an Orthodox monastery situated on a hillside overlooking the Yantra River in Veliko Tarnovo, with stone walls and a central church featuring religious frescoes. The complex includes multiple buildings arranged around a quiet courtyard with traditional Bulgarian construction methods.
The monastery was founded in the 14th century during the Second Bulgarian Empire and served for centuries as an important site of religious life. Its current form came from major reconstruction work carried out in the 1820s.
The monastery displays Bulgarian Revival features with carved wooden elements and painted icons created by local craftsmen of that era. These details reflect traditions that visitors can still see in the decoration and daily religious life here.
The monastery is located north of Veliko Tarnovo and is open to visitors on most days, though religious services occasionally take place inside. Visitors should wear modest clothing and remain respectful if monks or worshippers are present.
During the 1877-1878 war, the monastery was briefly used as a field hospital and later received donations from Russian soldiers following Bulgaria's independence. This episode connects the site to pivotal moments in Bulgarian history.
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