Vrachesh monastery

Vrachesh Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria featuring a simple church structure. The complex contains a single-nave church with a bell tower, surrounded by covered and open spaces near Botevgrad.

The monastery was founded in the 13th century and suffered major damage from attacks in the 15th and 18th centuries. These difficult periods shaped its construction and eventual reconstruction.

The monastery served as a place where monks copied religious texts by hand before becoming a convent in 1937. Visitors can observe how this transformation shaped the community and its daily practices.

The monastery is located west of Vrachesh village and regularly welcomes visitors to walk around the grounds. Plan enough time to explore the buildings and courtyard without hurrying.

A shepherd reported a dream about the Virgin Mary that led to the discovery of the original church ruins and an old icon in 1891. This story links local folk belief with the physical restoration of the site.

Location: Vrachesh

Inception: 13 century

GPS coordinates: 42.88710,23.69898

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:40