Background

Arapovo Monastery: A Spiritual Oasis

Discover tranquility and history at Arapovo Monastery, a unique Bulgarian Orthodox sanctuary near Asenovgrad with stunning آیrescoes and a healing spring.

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Nestled near Asenovgrad, Arapovo Monastery is a serene 19th-century Bulgarian Orthodox monastery. Known for its unique architecture, including a defensive tower, and the آیresco work of Georgi Danchov, it offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Bulgaria's cultural and religious heritage.

A brief summary to Arapovo Monastery

  • Monday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the holy spring near the north gate, believed to have healing powers.
  • Explore the tower of Angel Voyvoda for a glimpse into the life of a Bulgarian hero.
  • Admire the آیrescoes inside the church, which depict scenes from the lives of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery for a full day of exploring the region.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Plovdiv, take a bus from the central bus station to Asenovgrad (approximately 30 minutes). From Asenovgrad, you can take a taxi to Arapovo Monastery, which is about 4 km away. Alternatively, you can walk from Asenovgrad, heading east on 'Vasil Levski' street and following the signs to the monastery. Bus fare from Plovdiv to Asenovgrad is approximately 3 BGN. Taxi from Asenovgrad to the monastery should cost around 8-10 BGN.

  • Car

    From Plovdiv, head southeast on 'Tsar Boris III Obedinitel' street and continue onto 'Knyaz Alexander I' street. Follow the signs for Asenovgrad (approximately 18 km from Plovdiv). Once in Asenovgrad, follow the signs for Arapovo Monastery. The monastery is a few kilometers outside the town, with parking available nearby. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Arapovo Monastery

Arapovo Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Saint Nedelya, is a peaceful retreat located approximately 6 kilometers east of Asenovgrad. Founded in 1856, during Ottoman rule, it stands out as one of the few monasteries built in an open field rather than a secluded, mountainous area. The monastery is dedicated to Saint Nedelya and belongs to the Plovdiv eparchy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The monastery complex includes a church, residential buildings, farm structures, and a distinctive three-story defensive tower. The tower is linked to Angel Voyvoda, a hajduk leader who supported the monastery. The first two levels of the tower are constructed of stone with narrow windows for defense, while the top floor features a wooden bay-windowed structure with living quarters. The main church, completed in 1859, is a three-naved, three-apsed, cross-domed structure. The interior is adorned with frescoes by Georgi Danchov, a friend of Vasil Levski, depicting scenes from the lives of Saints Cyril and Methodius. These frescoes were groundbreaking, as they presented the saints as preachers and baptizers of the Bulgarian people, deviating from traditional depictions. A holy spring, believed to have healing powers, is located near the monastery's north gate, adding to the site's spiritual significance. According to legend, the spring's water cured the daughter of a local Turkish ruler, Arap Bey, who then donated land for the monastery's construction. Today, Arapovo Monastery welcomes visitors seeking tranquility and a connection to Bulgarian history and culture. The monastery offers a peaceful atmosphere for exploring its architecture, admiring the آیrescoes, and reflecting in its gardens.

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