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Bulgaria
Plovdiv Province
Bachkovo
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Bachkovo Monastery
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Bachkovo Monastery

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Bachkovo Monastery
4.5
About
The Bachkovo monastery is one of most important monasteries of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. It is a real place of cult and religion that is very respected by the believers. The monastery is also a National monument of culture, reach of history, art and traditions. It conserves a huge number of icons, paintings, church buildings and very precious examples of church utensils from XI to XIX centuries. It is very possible to stay at the monastery, to have pleasure assist at an Orthodox mass, fill the spirit of Orthodoxy, see the wonderful paintings and picturesque surroundings, try the monastery's cuisine, wine and rakia.
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1 within 3 miles
Vodopada
18
0.3 mi££ - £££ • Eastern European • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
2 within 6 miles
Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)
224
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
St. Bogoroditsa Petrichka Church
29
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
428 reviews
Excellent
226
Very good
146
Average
47
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Graham P
77 contributions
Best monastery to visit in Bulgaria
Jul 2023
Great place to visit, especially if you get there early before the crowds. It beats the rival Rila monastery, in my opinion. The main church of Sveta Bogoroditsa has stunning frescoes, and as we arrived early on a Sunday we were fortunate to witness the Bulgarian Orthodox church service with it's beautiful singing/chanting and a sermon by the abbot. The museum is excellent, with some unusual icons and other artefacts including an amazing 11th century Georgian cross that apparently preceded King George (Gyorgi) I into battle. Its also well worth forking out 8 lev per person to gain private access to the old refectory, which has fabulous wall and ceiling frescoes including the classical Greek philosophers.
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oliver S
New York City, NY11,416 contributions
Enchanted place
Sep 2022
A short drive out of Plovdiv we reach this monastery where we plan to spend the night. Orthodox monasteries often have facilities for guests, in order to generate some much needed income: religion was practically non-existent for the 50+ years of communist rule. We park and are immediately enveloped by air perfumed with the aroma of wild flowers and berries and herbs and the soft buzzing of bees in the tender early September sun. We tour the place, including their Museum (symbolic admission) featuring lots of historical artifacts and an impressive icons collection on the lower floor, then check out the sleeping facilities, then decline to stay overnight. But the little church in the middle of the yard has some impressive frescoes and icons.
**
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sharpster08
Woking, UK410 contributions
Beautiful place near Plovdiv
Aug 2022
Having parked our car in one of the large car parks at the foot of the hill there were so many people around and a busy avenue of tacky shops on the path to the monastery so we expected it to be very busy up there. We were wrong as everybody seemed to be shopping and the monastery itself was crowd free. It's another beautiful monastery and only Rila was more impressive for us. As always the setting is superb, surrounded by tree covered mountains. The picturesque old buildings and the churches all add up to make it an amazing place to visit.
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaulCasas
Madrid, Spain152 contributions
Very nice place
Aug 2022 • Couples
Impressive monastery with great frescos. You can easily access the monastery by public transport from Plovdiv, around 40 minutes.
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caoimhe G
Dublin, Ireland8 contributions
Beautiful Bachkovo!
Jul 2022
Absolutely stunning and a must-see! I was there on a summer evening and it was peaceful and magnificent in the most wonderful countryside.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mattia
75 contributions
A tour outside Plovdiv
Jun 2021
If you are visiting Plovdiv and you have time, this place deserve a visit. It's not far away from the city. You can arrive there by car, there is a big parking just at the entrance of the Monastery.
Between the Monastery entrance and the Main road there is a little open market that's worth a visit.
The Monastery itself is very beautiful to see, preferably with a guided tour. it has been a key point for the preservation of the Bulgarian culture during the past centuries. It is still inhabited by monks who occasionally show up.
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bg564
Windhoek, Namibia885 contributions
Beautiful monastery
Jun 2021
Beautiful drive through the valley to get to the Bachkovo Monastery. Restaurants and markets on the drive to the monastery selling local foods and souvenirs. The grounds of the monastery are well kept and similar to the style in the region.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HalDavies
Smolyan, Bulgaria606 contributions
Simply stunning
May 2021 • Couples
Driving to Plovdiv we have passed through Bachkovo for ten years. We have shopped in the market which is very nice.

On Friday we took the plunge. Oh Wow! This is a calm, beautiful place that has been cleaned/restored sensitively.

The main church is a collection of murals, silver, brass, icons, candelabra. It is perfectly orthodox and stunning.

The rest of the monastery is equally lovely.

It is a 'must' place to visit.
Written 30 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
desimgmG
Sofia, Bulgaria3,690 contributions
The second biggest monastery in Bulgaria!
Mar 2020
Bachkovo monastery is the second biggest monastery in Bulgaria after Rila monastery, which is the first biggest! It is amazing place and everyone person must see it! The pics are from 17 of March 2013.
Written 9 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Flying Spaniard
Sofia, Bulgaria2,445 contributions
Beautiful place
Jun 2020 • Solo
Not so impressive as Rila, however it is a beautiful place to visit. The area is surrounded by lot of street shops and restaurants. The monastery itself is relaxing, and gives calm and tranquility to every visitor.
Written 12 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Bachkovo Monastery

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