MONASTERY OF TROYAN (МАНАСТИР ТРОЯНСКИ)

The monastery of Troyan is the third most important in Bulgaria. It is located about fifteen kilometers from the eponymous city. Most of the buildings date from the ^15th century, except for the church (Sveta Bogoroditsa) which was built only in the ^19th century. The frescoes, by the famous and talented painter of the Renewal period, Zahari Zograph, which represent the Last Judgment date from 1835. The interior, as is often the case in Orthodox churches, is very dark and the icons are difficult to see. Note, however, the three-armed Virgin, an icon that represents the Virgin Mary clasping the Child Jesus in her arms, famous throughout the country. On the floors of the monastery itself, a small museum (open every day from 8am to 7pm) will give you more information on the life and history of the monastery: you can see the room occupied by King Boris III and that of Vasil Levski, who founded a revolutionary committee. You can find the museum dedicated to Vasil Levski in Lovetch. You can sleep in the monastery in comfortable rooms which are former monks' cells. They are more pleasant and comfortable than the ones in Rila Monastery. In the vicinity there are a few restaurants serving the famous and delicious plum troyanska rakia, as well as rooms in the houses of local people. As the site is quite touristy, you will not fail to find where to eat or sleep, not to worry.