DRAGALEVTSI MONASTERY (ДРАГАЛЕВСКИ МАНАСТИР)

3 km south of Tsar Ivan Alexander Square. Dragalevtsi Monastery is just outside the village. Founded in 1341 during the reign of Tsar Ivan Alexander, it is famous for having hosted the revolutionary Vassil Levksi between 1870 and 1872. During the ^15th and ^16th centuries, it was an important cultural center, housing a monastic school. Some of the frescoes date back to 1467. Particularly well preserved, the entrance features priceless original frescoes, as well as those on the west wall depicting scenes from the Old Testament and a scene from the life of monks. Of particular note is this scene: a monk is sent out into the outside world to fight his temptations. The vault and the rest of the walls feature a large fresco of the Last Judgment. Numerous episodes are depicted, creating a rich artistic composition throughout the space. The western facade of the old church depicts the Holy Mother and three of the most popular warrior saints - St. George, St. Dimitri and St. Mercury. Like other monasteries in the country, Dragalevtzi is committed to preserving Bulgarian identity and spirit. During Ottoman rule, in addition to its school, the monastery developed a regular epistolary activity, the most famous example of which is the Gospel of Dragalevtzi, copied by an anonymous monk in 1534. The work, in its silver cover, is kept at the Bulgarian Church headquarters in Sofia.