[2025 Primorski Attraction] Travel Guide for Aladzha Monastery (Updated Apr)

Aladzha Monastery is situated in a beautiful area 14 km north of Varna, near Zlatni Pyasatsi Resort (Golden Sands Resort), in the centre of Zlatni Pyasatsi Nature Park (Golden Sands Nature Park). There are no reliable historical records as to when the monastery was established, but there is evidence that it already existed in the 10th – 12th centuries. Aladzha Monastery is one of the few cave monasteries in Bulgaria where the different premises and their functions are clearly distinguishable. The monastery premises are carved and arranged on two levels in a limestone rock that is almost 40 m high. The monastery church, the monastery cells, the refectory, the kitchen, the small cemetery church, the crypt (ossuary), and the farm premises are all situated on the first level. The second level is a natural rock recess in the eastern part of which lies the monastery chapel. A group of caves known as the Catacombs is located about 600 – 700 m to the west of the monastery. The archaeological finds such as pottery, coins, graffiti, etc. discovered there, provide evidence that the Catacombs were inhabited by people during the early-Christian Age (5th – 6th centuries). After the Ottomans conquered Bulgaria at the end of the 14th century, Aladzha Monastery gradually fell into decline and was most likely completely abandoned around the 15th – 16th century. The Christian name of the monastery is unknown. The word “aladzha” comes from Persian-Arabic and means “motley”, “variegated”. K. Shkorpil, the first person who did research in the monastery, recorded a legend according to which St. Spas (derived from the Bulgarian Hristos Spasitel – Christ the Saviour) was the patron saint of the cloister. Nowadays Aladzha Monastery is a popular tourist attraction visited by thousands of tourists. The cave monastery is located in the centre of Zlatni Pyasatsi Nature Park, a protected area where rare tree species can be seen. The combination of beautiful scenery, historic and Christian landmarks makes this place perfect for cultural, religious and ecological tourism. A unique audio-visual show called Legends of Aladzha Monastery has been taking place in the monastery since 2009. The monastery was declared a monument of architecture and construction of national importance by virtue of publication in State Gazette, issue No 16 of 1968. The visitors of the monastery can also take a tour in a museum of miniature models. Souvenirs and information materials are sold there. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

🛣Here is some key information about Varna: 🎄1. **Tourist Attractions**: 🌱- **Sea Garden**: A picturesque seaside garden that has long been a popular place for walking and relaxing, with glass containers, a zoo, a dolphinarium, a sports center, a planetarium, and several museums. 🌱 - **Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin**: A Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral completed in 1886, featuring Byzantine-style features, elements of Russian temple architecture, and even some Gothic styles. 🌱- **Aladzha Monastery**: A 12th-century rock Orthodox monastery, now in ruins, famous for its underground catacombs and the history of early Christian hermits. 🌱- **Varna Archaeological Museum**: Houses more than 50,000 artifacts, including a series of gold items found in the Varna cemetery, which experts believe are over 6,000 years old. 🎄2. **Cultural Activities**: - Varna hosts a variety of cultural events every year, including music festivals, theater festivals, art exhibitions, and marine festivals, among which the "Varna Summer" International Music Festival is one of the oldest music events in Europe.🌿 🎄3. **Economy**: - Varna is an important comprehensive port in Bulgaria, and its strategic location makes it a gateway to Europe and the Middle East. The main industries are port transportation, shipbuilding, tourism, chemical industry, machinery, textiles, food, tobacco and alcohol, furniture manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, among which the chemical industry and tourism are its pillar industries.🌿 🎄4. **History**: - Varna is one of the oldest regions in Bulgaria, with a long history, and the region preserves flint from primitive societies and medieval artifacts, as well as sites of primitive inhabitants from 12,000 years ago. The history of gold making in the region dates back 6,500 years, making it the earliest gold-making region in the world.🌿 🎄5. **Climate**: - Varna has a humid subtropical climate, suitable for year-round tourism.🌿 🎄6. **Transportation**: - The Port of Varna handles more than 50% of the country's maritime trade and is Bulgaria's largest port.🌿 🎄7. **Education**: - The region has 5 universities, 3 colleges, 162 secondary schools, 5 research institutes, and various vocational training centers.🌿 🌲🌲Varna is known for its rich historical sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural life, making it an important tourist and cultural center in Bulgaria.🌹🌹🌹🌹

#bucketlistreboot It is a medieval Orthodox Christian cave monastery complex in north-eastern Bulgaria, 17 km north of central Varna and 3 km west of Golden Sands beach resort. The ticket also includes a visit to the nearby museum which tries to explain a bit more about this phenomena of stone carved monasteries across Bulgaria. It seemed fairly popular in the north-eastern part of the country. It’s another great way to break down your all-inclusive summer holiday and make a day trip and see something different. The monastery housed monks who were looking to retreat in solitude and prayer. The complex is carved in stone. They tried to carve different rooms and prayer halls. Once you climb to the top level where the chapel was, you’ll be greeted by an amazing view towards the sea. A must for any photo enthusiast! #varna #bulgaria