::.Tourist destinations

Ivanovo Rock churches

The Archaeological Reserve of Ivanovo Rock-hewn Churches is placed only 22 km south-west of Ruse, close to the village of Ivanovo. High in the rocks, 40-50 m above the ground, the scenic caves outsets can be seen. Once upon a time they have been inhabited by medieval monks who believed in the doctrine of Hesychasm. In XII – XIV century there was a monastic center. The monks enlarged the natural caves and turned them into chapels, churches and cells. The murals of Holy Virgin’s Church are still preserved. The churches are on UNESCO’s list of world cultural heritage.

The Medieval town of Cherven

Cherven was the key town of Northeast Bulgaria in the 14^th century. What have remained of it are the traces of the unfortified outer town and the ruins of the fortification walls of the inner town, of the boyar’s palace, the Bishop’s church and of some of the houses.

There were 11 churches in the town and many monasteries in the rocks around it. The castle was ruined by the Ottoman raids and the town declined afterwards.

Rock Monastery St.Dimitar Basarbovski

The Rock Monastery is only 12 km far from Ruse, in the rocks close to the village of Basarbovo. The church, high in the rocks, has a wooden icon stand. It can give an idea of what the ancient rock monasteries and churches looked like. Steps up to the church are hewn in the rock and a path leads to a grave cut in the cliff. According to historians, St.Dimitar Basarbovski’s relics rested there.

 

Orlova Chuka Cave

Within 45 km of Ruse town and 3 km north of the village Pepelina, in the rocky gorge of the river Cherni Lom, is located Orlova Chuka – one of the most interesting caves in Bulgaria. The discovery of the cave galleries happened occasionally in 1941. All founded skeletons of bears, spears, axes, pieces of pottery from the Eneolithic suggest that the cave was inhabited by humans. The cave is the second longest in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Maps