Balkonsky the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul, located on the Northern slopes of the Rhodope mountains, near the foot of the mountain village, is the only monastery in the region of Pazardzhik. Based on the content of Greek inscription on a marble slab found in the Church, it can be assumed that the monastery was built in the XII century. It was erected on the ruins of a pagan temple in old Bulgarian epoch.

After the Turkish invasion in XVII century the monastery was destroyed. At the end of the century the building was restored, however, in 1774, after forced conversion to the Islamic faith part of the Bulgarian population living in Chepino valley near the Rhodope mountains, it was again destroyed. Bulgarian Christians newly built on the site of a monastery, but this time in the form of a small building with a stone Church. In the late 19th century instead of the old temple was built single-aisled Basilica with a bell tower and a semi-cylindrical apse.

Holy monastery served as a refuge for many prominent local leaders of the rebels: Todor Bancheva, Bako Hasanova and others. Abbot Gerasim always warmly greeted them. Been here and Vasil Levski. In 1872, during your stay in the city of Pazardzhik, he visited Balkonsky abode.

The Monastery Of STS. Peter and Paul has always attracted pilgrims from near and far places. Stefan Zacharias, and many others came to the Holy monastery in the summer to relax in the quiet nature area. In 1867 a guest of the monastery was Stanislav Dospevski – famous Bulgarian artist. During his stay in these places he wrote four portraits and two icons. Now about the past, the monastery resembles only a slab of marble from the old fountain with a commemorative inscription 1781 built into the wall of the new building.

Near the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul is another rare and unusual attraction – the old vine, a survivor of not one historical epoch. Studies have found that its age is about 500 years old, making it the oldest on the Balkan Peninsula. Many years ago the vine was in 70-80 times and covered the entire yard of the monastery. A strong storm in 1978 severely damaged the plant. Today vine black grape fruiting again. She declared a natural monument and protected by the state.