Aladzha monastery in Bulgaria

This architectural Orthodox monument included in the list of the main attractions of Bulgaria. The remains of an ancient monastery, located in Varna, – a compulsory item in the programme of tourists vacationing in the resorts of the country.

Located near the dynamic city vacant Christian monastery is now a branch of the municipal Museum.

Why this name?

Alaca – the monastery, the true name of which nobody knows. The researchers suggest that the name he received in the old days when Bulgaria was under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire. In Arabic, the word “pool” means “colorful, bright”. It is believed that this is the name the Turks gave the monastery because of its colorful murals stand out against the light stone.

This is the name and stayed for the religious complex, and the present Orthodox, unfortunately, forgotten.

History of the cave monastery

Duplex Aladzha cave monastery (Bulgaria) has almost millennial history. In written sources it is mentioned very little, although there is from the XII century. To the Orthodox center flocked monks from different parts of the country, to devote himself to God. They were attracted by the difficult terrain and complete privacy. Recently, it was found that the first hermits settled in caves in the fourth century, in the period of early Christianity. Then it was carved into a 40-meter cliff in the first cell.

The Monks had deepened existing fissures connecting them passes. Soft calcareous material was allowed to perform this work without much difficulty.

Previously such natural caves often became a sacred place, where he conducted the Church rites. The Orthodox servants dug in the ground cells or cut them in stone. So there entire religious complexes, the most famous of which was Bulgarian.

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Research

For a Long time Aladzha cave monastery remained unexplored, and only in the early twentieth century scientists began their research, continuing to this day. The religious complex is considered a unique phenomenon for the country, because the main temple with monks is located in natural caves.

Two tiers for monks

Located in a steep rock Aladja monastery (Varna) consists of two tiers connected by a stone staircase.

The Bottom consists of a Church with cells, the refectory, crypt, utility rooms. They are all located on the second and third floors, and the top – not less than five. In a modest-sized rooms, separated by wooden partitions, monks lived and prayed. On the second level, in a rocky niche, is a chapel.

The Aladzha Monastery in Bulgaria is a rare historical monuments, which are well preserved in all the rooms, and their true purpose is easily identified by scientists.

The Gradual formation of the monastery

Religious Cave complex acquired its appearance gradually over several centuries. Aladja monastery with its own rules and traditions, formed over time, United has devoted himself to the service of the Lord.

The Establishment of a monastic brotherhood, as the heyday of the monastery falls on the XIII-XIV century.

After the conquest of Bulgaria by the Turks in a natural cave complex situated in a cliff, was destroyed, but this did not prevent the monks-hermits to live here several centuries.

The Catacombs of the complex

The Archaeological expedition was found near his spiritual abode the remains of another cave monastery, called Katakombite. Dug in the heyday of the Byzantine Empire, the catacombs were inhabited by people in period IV-VI centuries. In a three-storied buildings, the walls of which are dotted with early Christian inscriptions, were found the ruins of an ancient Basilica. Scientists believe that approximately in the XIII century, two monasteries were United in a single complex.

After the earthquake the most preserved was the middle tier, in one of the halls which the archaeologists discovered the burial of the monks. Interestingly, the cave entrances were on two levels.

Irreparable destruction

Sadly, calcareous rock cliffs are highly susceptible to erosion. The caves are crumbling, affected ceilings and walls, painted with frescoes. Former magnificence of the colorful rock paintings, which gave the name to the monastery, and left no trace.

The most famous of them, called ‘Ascension” remained only a fragment of the chapel of the upper tier. A small section of fresco painting has great cultural value. To the descendants came watercolor sketches made in the period of the XIX–XX centuries.

Due to the serious danger of the collapse of all the passages in the catacombs are closed with lattices, and built outside metal staircase. To strengthen security on the external side of the cliffs are barriers.

National monument and the Museum of Varna

In the 50-ies of the last century Aladzha (monastery) was recognized by the authorities of the country a national monument and later opened a Museum in which tourists learn about historyChristianity enchanting area of the Balkan Peninsula.

In Addition to the permanent exhibitions, every year, there are educational exhibitions on culture and art of Bulgaria, exhibited a collection of ancient icons, fragments of the surviving frescoes of the historical complex of basilicas and mosaics of the Byzantine Empire, found in the city. Tourists are pleased that the first floor of the Museum is presented in five languages, including Russian, the history of the monastery.

Here you can buy gifts, religious books and religious paraphernalia.

Legends of the ancient places

Visitors of the ancient monastery the local guides tell different legends, which for a long time of existence it has acquired. The most mysterious and mystical story about wandering through the caves the Ghost of a monk guardian of this place. He conducts interviews with people who have no idea that talking to a disembodied spirit, and after the conversation the Minister dissolves in the air in front of terrified travelers.

No less interesting story about the treasures hidden within the caves. Into a closed from prying eyes rock complex was carrying the most valuable monks, who fled from the enslaved territories of Bulgaria. Vast wealth was hidden in a secret room where he knew only a select few. Still treasure, disturbing the minds of the inhabitants, was not found.

Historic-Cultural monument

Alaca – a monastery which had acquired great cultural importance for Bulgaria. Now he receives visitors, who came to Varna from all over the world. In 2009 for tourists in the summer, organize colorful light and music programme, telling about the legends of the local sights and architectural relics of the past.

In a small amphitheater spellbound the audience watching the visual effects stunning laser show right on the cliff. The performance is dedicated to the memory of the first scientists, who started a large-scale study of the cave complex and became the founders of the Bulgarian archaeology.

Memorable long sight

In Front of the climbing rock includes a chest, which tourists down notes with wishes of good health for yourself and loved ones. But to leave in the rock crevices such messages is strictly forbidden. Near the monastery a spring with Holy water, so everyone dial the medicinal liquid in the bottle.

It is Recommended to take special equipment to leave on acquaintance with caves memorable video and photo.

Alaca (monastery) is located in the natural Park of Golden Sands, on 17 km from Varna. Popular place, located among the forest-covered mountainous area, visiting ecotourists and Christian pilgrims. Many Christians in non-functional religious building to pray.

In the opinion of tourists, Aladja – the monastery with an extraordinary aura. Serene and majestic place where everything breathes history, will give a lot of pleasant impressions and unforgettable moments.