Gorna banya Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Gorna banya district, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Gorna banya Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in Sofia's mountain district with a basilica featuring a single apse design. The complex sits near mineral springs in the Lyulin Mountain region.
Founded in the 13th century as St. Kral Monastery, the complex once housed the remains of Serbian king Stefan Urosh. The site underwent several reconstructions throughout the centuries.
The monastery honors Saints Cyril and Methodius and remains an active place of worship where Bulgarian Orthodox traditions are practiced through regular religious services. Annual celebrations bring together visitors and worshippers to observe long-standing customs.
The monastery sits about 3 kilometers from Sofia's Gorna banya district and is accessible by public transportation. Wear sturdy shoes since parts of the approach involve unpaved paths.
The monastery stands apart from typical Bulgarian Orthodox structures by intentionally omitting a dome from its design. This unusual architectural choice makes it memorable among comparable buildings in the region.
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