Bachkovo Monastery

Bachkovo Monastery is a Bulgarian Orthodox monastery located about 10 kilometers south of the city of Plovdiv in the Rhodope Mountains. It was founded in 1083 by the Byzantine military commander, Grigorii Bakuriani, and his brother Abazii.

The monastery is famous for its rich history and beautiful architecture. It was an important center of Bulgarian culture and religion during the Middle Ages, and played a significant role in the Bulgarian struggle against the Byzantine Empire. The monastery was also a center of manuscript production and iconography, and many of its artworks can still be seen today.

The main church of the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built in the 12th century. It has a unique blend of Byzantine, Georgian and Bulgarian architectural styles. Inside the church, visitors can see many beautiful frescoes, including a famous depiction of the Virgin Mary with three hands.

The monastery also has several other buildings of interest, including the Refectory, which dates back to the 17th century, and the ossuary, which houses the remains of some of the monastery's most important monks.

Today, the Bachkovo Monastery is one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in Bulgaria, and attracts thousands of visitors every year.