Ivanovo Rock Churches

The Ivanovo Rock Churches were founded by the monk Joakim in the 1220s. Later, the monk became the first Patriarch of Tarnovo. The many chambers were naturally formed in the rocks but were later shaped and expanded by their inhabitants. Over time, all the chapels and cells came together to form the large rock monastery “St. Archangel Michael.” Its patrons were the Bulgarian Tsars Ivan Asen II (1218–1241) and Ivan Alexander (1331–1371).

In six of the churches, medieval frescoes have been preserved. The most famous of them are those in the church of the Holy Virgin (St. Mary). These frescoes date from the mid-14th century, and their artistic quality is the reason they have been included by UNESCO on the World Heritage List.

In the 14th century, the monastery became a center of Hesychasm – a movement within Orthodox Christianity that promoted solitude as a path to union with God. The churches continued to exist during the early centuries of Ottoman rule, but gradually declined.

Today, the Ivanovo Rock Churches have been declared a National Archaeological Reserve. Their uniqueness, artistic beauty, and the coolness of the picturesque canyon of the Rusenski Lom River make this place a favorite destination for many visitors.