Located 14 kilometers north of Varna near Golden Sands Resort, the Aladzha Monastery lies in the heart of Zlatni Pyasatsi Nature Park, known for its natural beauty and rare tree species. While its exact establishment date remains unknown, the monastery likely existed between the 10th and 12th centuries.
Two Levels of Exploration
The monastery features two levels carved into a 40-meter-high limestone rock. The first level includes the church, cells, refectory, kitchen, cemetery church, crypt, and farm premises. The second level, a natural rock recess, houses the chapel.
Catacombs and Early-Christian Inhabitants
The Catacombs, a group of caves beyond the monastery, reveal evidence of early-Christian habitation during the 5th-6th centuries through pottery, coins, and graffiti.
Decline and Abandonment
After the Ottoman conquest of Bulgaria in the late 14th century, the monastery experienced a decline and was likely abandoned by the 15th-16th century.
A Modern Tourist Attraction
Today, the Aladzha Monastery attracts thousands of tourists for its cultural, religious, and ecological significance. Since 2009, visitors can enjoy the Legends of Aladzha Monastery audio-visual show and explored miniature models at the museum.
National Importance
Declared a national architectural and construction monument in 1968, the Aladzha Monastery remains a treasured Bulgarian site.
Accessibility: Easily accessible by car or bus, it’s suitable for family visits.
Embark on a journey through time and spirituality by discovering Bulgaria’s rich monastery heritage.
