Historic Landmark
Tsarnogorski monastery

Tsarnogorski monastery "St. Kozma and Damyan" is located about 18 km southwest of the town of Breznik and 5 km from the village Gigintsi at the foot of Mount Kitka mountain Montenegro ( Crna Gora ) . The name of the mountain , according to the Local History , is associated with many monks in the area - called the Old Bulgarian language " black-robed " . In the area of ​​Cherna gora reserved four monasteries - Tsarnogorski , Chepinski, Potsarnenski and Radiboshki .

From the scanty historical evidence for the occurrence of Giginskiya Sredna gora monastery or convent , as it is known this monastery , we judge that the former monastic buildings date from the XI-XII century and were built on the ruins of antiquity. The study found the foundations of monastic wing and protected round tower . The presence of fortification equipment in a monastery is not unusual . These are also found in the Rila , Hilendar and Debelyanov.

During the Second Bulgarian Empire Tsarnogorski monastery enjoys the generosity of the state. In the obituary of the Bulgarian Church of Ivan Asen II is said to " create monasteries and richly decorated them with gold , pearls and the precious stones, and all the holy and divine churches endowed with many gifts and offers complete freedom for them, and all the clergy observed a large honor ". During Asenevata , Terterovata and Shishmans dynasties monastery receives huge Rights - complete immunity - administrative, financial and judicial . The monastery acquired a rich culture and numerous large and lucrative property donated by generous kings and nobles .

An interesting moment in the history of Tsarnogorski monastery is the time in which in Breznik lives Kara Feizi from Kurdjali. Set in the early XIX century robbery Feizi its so annoying the Sultan that the latter allowed him to choose any district to manage alone. Kurdzhalii Old spahi genus and Bulgarian mother chose Breznik. From that moment the entire population in the area screamed from his atrocities . Feizi robbed and tried to destroy right, knocking churches and monasteries and imposing fines for public disobedience. But soon God's punishment unleashed on his beloved daughter . She fell ill - her legs began to dry. Not finding healing nowhere , overnight Kara Feizi dreamed the Archangel Michael . He said that Kurdzhali people are punished for his acts. Realized his mistake and the love of his daughter, Feizi amends evil and restored Christian churches . Thus was revived and Tsarnogorski Monastery and his daughter cured .

• Monastery