BVA

Bačkovski manastir
Bačkovo monastery

Bačkovo, Bulgaria

This important Bulgarian Orthodox monastery is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is located in south central Bulgaria, in the Cheleparska river valley and foothills of the Rhodope mountains. Founded in 1083, much damaged under the Ottomans but restored in the late 15th century. The main courtyard (of two) surrounds the church, bounded by konaks. This view of the southern section with frescoed walls dates from the late 16th to early 17th centuries (when the present church was also built), and it contains the monastery's dining room. (photo 2000)