Aladzha Monastery

Varna, Bulgaria

Aladzha Monastery is a medieval Orthodox Christian cave monastery complex in northeastern Bulgaria, 17 km north of central Varna and 3 km west of Golden Sands beach resort, in a protected forest area adjacent to the Golden Sands Nature Park.

The monastery caves were hewn into a 25-m high vertical karst cliff near the upper edge of the Franga Plateau on several levels. The complex includes two small nearby catacombs.

Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, it was an active hesychast monastic community of the Second Bulgarian Empire since the 12th century and perhaps survived until the early 18th century. Nearby, remains of a 5th-century cave monastery have been found.

A cave monastery may have existed not far from the modern monastery Aladzha, near Varna. Its early dating to the fourth century is secured by fragments of glassware, but coins of Justinian indicate that the complex may have still been in use during the 500s.

Today, the grotto is a popular tourist destination. Its present name appeared in the late Ottoman period; Alaca (Turkish for motley) referred to its colourful murals, now almost destroyed. Thematic light shows are being staged in the summer.

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Address

Varna, Bulgaria
See all sites in Varna

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in Bulgaria

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Simeon Goranov (2 years ago)
An Orthodox Christian monastery carved in the face of a vertical limestone rock in 13-14 century CE. One can climb and enter the monks' cells and the other premises. Overall in a rather poor shape with very little left to see. There is an on site museum where you can learn more about the history of the area.
Eu Vio (2 years ago)
Aladzha Monastery is the most popular medieval rock monastery at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, which was inhabited by monks- hermits in the 13th – 14th century. Systematic research of this Christian monument was initiated in the late 19th century by two of the founders of Bulgarian archeology – the brothers Karel and Hermin Shkorpil. In 1912, the Aladzha monastery was granted the title of "national historical monument" and in 1968 - an architectural monument of national importance.
ΓΕΩΡΓΙΑ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΙΔΟΥ (2 years ago)
A monastery dating 1000 years old approximately... well worth a visit. You should not miss the walk in the forest to see the catacombs....
Nilesh Kale (2 years ago)
Fairly average attraction for a overseas visitor. Good only if you have time on hands and want a reason to drive out of Varna. The ticket desk only accepted cash at time of writing.
Abilash M S (3 years ago)
Interesting place to visit. Although much of the actual history is lost in time, very intriguing nonetheless. Plenty of free parking available. Note: They don't accept cards, no euros. Only Lev.
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