Price: The most famous monastery , part of Sofia Sveta Gora is Dragalevski royal monastery " Virgin Mary of Vitosha " . It is situated in the mountain , just a few kilometers from the capital Dragalevtzi. Currently, the monastery is active and is inhabited by nuns .
Although not Lavra , the first among the 14 cloisters of a medieval complex Sredetska Mala Sveta Gora Monastery, Dragalevski over the years won an enviable popularity and occupies an important place in history. Significantly, here the Bulgarian Exarch Stefan built the residence of the Holy Synod , visited by King Boris III and Prince Cyril.
According to historical accounts that have reached us , the monastery was built near Dragalevtzi of Bulgarian King Ivan Alexander and is cared for by his son King Shishman . Founded in 1345 as a monastery stauropegial (ie directly subordinate to the patriarch ) . He was relieved of tax burdens and intervention sredechkite or another mayor and bishop . This information have from " Vitosha diploma" of King Shishman .
When Sofia was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1382 , the monastery was destroyed and its inhabitants - expelled. Almost a century later, Sofia boyar Radoslav Moor restored cloister and zografisva church. Dragalevski monastery " Virgin Mary of Vitosha " became the center of a lively literary and educational activities. During the XIV- XVI century there was housed center Sofian school . It copies and created many valuable Bulgarian Christian books . Some of them are kept in the museums of the monasteries of Sveta gora Athos. In XVII century the monastery was founded and school permanent teacher.
Dragalevski monastery , like many others across the country , it becomes an integral part of the revolutionary movement for liberation. In the early 70 -ies of the XIX century Apostle of freedom Vasil Levski several times staying at the monastery . Abbot monk then Gennady Wanderer ( Ivan Ihtimanski ) . He was a rebel Ilyo participant in the First Legion Rakovsky - 1862 , where he met with very Levski.
Currently, the monastery " Virgin Mary of Vitosha " a complex of church, residential and commercial buildings . It is accessible by paved road off the road to Lucky . Although acting , it does not offer accommodation and food.
- Monastery
