Seven Altars Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Elenov dol, Bulgaria
Seven Altars Monastery is a sanctuary with a church containing seven separate chapels integrated into a single structure, situated at the foot of Izdremets Peak in the western Balkan Mountains. The building's unusual design brings multiple prayer spaces together beneath one roof, making its interior layout distinctive.
The monastery was founded in the 16th century and briefly served as a royal residence where a Bulgarian ruler passed away. This episode gave the site historical weight during a tumultuous period in the region's past.
The monastery takes its name from seven local noblemen who each built a separate chapel within the main church building. Visitors can still recognize the individual chapel spaces today and sense the personal devotion each one represents.
The site offers overnight lodging and meals for visitors planning an extended stay to explore the grounds thoroughly. Public transportation connects through Eliseyna, with a connecting bus service completing the journey.
The monastery's burial ground holds the grave of a noted children's author who influenced generations of young readers. Additionally, towering sequoia trees dot the grounds and their roots have gradually shifted some of the surrounding walls.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
