Ivanovo Rock Monasteries
Friday October 14th 2005, 5:30 pm
Filed under: World Heritage

The Ivanovo Rock Monasteries are situated 20 km from the town of Rousse.

Ivanovo Rock Monasteries - The chambers
This is an area where a number of medieval churches, monastic cells and chapels were carved on both sides of the river Lom. A colony of hermits lived here from the 3rd century to the 17th century. The natural vesicles in the Karst rocks were widened and moulded to meet the needs of the colony. The chambers are at a height of 6-10m. and are connected by series of stairs, passages and galleries.

Ivanovo Rock Monasteries - The frescoes
The walls are covered with pictures of biblical themes and compositions with many figures. Great artistic value, a refined colour scheme and admirable skill is displayed. The partly conserved frescoes are evidence of the notable achievements of the Bulgarian medieval art school. The remaining scriptures emphasise the significance of the literary school which developed in this area. The monasteries were included in the World Register of Historical Sites in 1979.