Etropole Monastery, Bulgarian Orthodox monastery in Etropole, Bulgaria.
Etropole Monastery is an Orthodox religious complex located at the foot of the Balkan Mountains, featuring a central church with five domes and two connected side chapels. The main church was completed in 1858 and serves as the heart of the entire compound.
This monastery was founded in 1158 and became a major religious and cultural center throughout the medieval period. In the 19th century, it sheltered Vasil Levski, a key figure in Bulgaria's struggle for independence from Ottoman rule.
From the 16th to 18th centuries, this monastery became known for its school of calligraphy and manuscript art, where monks created decorated religious texts that spread throughout the region. You can still sense this artistic tradition when walking through the buildings and seeing the decorated spaces.
The monastery sits about 5 kilometers outside Etropole town and provides lodging and meals for visiting groups. Hiking trails in the surrounding Balkan Mountains offer good opportunities for exploring the natural landscape around the compound.
The monastery preserves a collection of rare treasures, including two silver-decorated crosses from the 15th century with intricate detail work. These precious objects demonstrate the craftsmanship and artistic skill that flourished within this religious community.
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