Kalofer Monastery "Nativity of the Theotokos", Orthodox monastery and church in Kalofer, Bulgaria.
Kalofer Monastery is an Orthodox complex housing a church dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos along with residential quarters and auxiliary buildings. The site sits beside the Tundzha River, nestled between the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora mountain range.
The monastery was founded in 1640 and experienced multiple destructions during Ottoman rule. The convent for women was established in 1700, with religious practices sustained throughout the following centuries.
The monastery preserves Orthodox traditions and holds significance for women's education in Bulgaria, as it was where one of the country's earliest female teachers received her training.
The monastery welcomes visitors year-round to observe religious ceremonies and explore the architecture. Dress modestly and maintain quiet respect within the chapel areas.
The grounds contain specifically designed areas for monks, religious ceremonies, and teaching that reflect traditional Bulgarian monastic design. This spatial organization reveals how prayer, residence, and learning were historically integrated.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
