Almatinski rock monastery Photo: Almatinski rock monastery

Almatinski rock monastery (also known as Almatinski monastery) is inactive, the medieval monastery located in the mountains in the diocese of Vidin, between the villages of Hradec and Rabrovo.

The complex, built in the limestone massif on the North side of the river Topolovec at a height of about 25 meters, includes caves and rock shelters of natural origin, as well as cut man areas and niches intended for religious and domestic purposes. The place is a narrow steep path, at the base of which is a fountain Hajduk. In ancient times, the monastery served as a shelter for skotovoda and masons. Because of its easy availability it was looted by vandals and treasure hunters.

People lived here in the fourteenth century, as evidenced by the preserved fragments of wall paintings and found in 29 local Christian burials jewelry (earrings, bracelets). A large number of graves belonging to members of the clergy, indicates that the monastery was an important place. From the few surviving historical evidence scientists have found that once there was a village called Alevin.

The complex consists of eight rooms. In the Central part is a three-nave of the monastery Church, hewn in the limestone massif. In accordance with the canons it is oriented from West to East. Currently the South-Western part of the temple is almost completely destroyed. The presence of the baptistery is evidence that the Church was used not only for the reading of prayers by the monks, but also for conducting public worship. In the North-Western part of the building is the second floor. It is the second largest room, which presumably served as a dining room. On the West side of the complex there are monastic cells, kitchen, warehouse. The name of the monastery have not survived, but there is a theory that he was dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ.

Visiting this monastery is recommended for all those interested in history, archaeology and culture of Bulgaria.

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