Roženski manastir (Rožen monastery), view of konak čardak
Rožen (Rozhen), Bulgaria
The northeast corner of the monastery is marked by an čardak and cupola (bell tower) that project from the konak galleries and rise above the perimeter walls. Views from the square-shaped čardak platform span east, south and west to include the monastery church, courtyard, and surrounding konaks as well as the mountainous landscape beyond. The bold wood construction of the čardak constrasts with the delicate octagon of the cupola, whose eight wooden posts are topped by plastered arches that rise outward as soffits to the roof eaves. (photo 1994)
