Historic Landmark
Kokalyane monastery

Short legend occasion of the founding of Kokalyane monastery . During the reign of Tsar Samuil ( 997 - 1014 ) ruler come out hunting in the mountains Plan . He killed a deer and when he approached the moment before she died from her eyes uttered large tears. The sight touched Tsar Samuil and he ordered the place to build a monastery dedicated to St. Michael , the chief guardian of Heaven and chief guardian of God's law.

Kokalyane monastery "St. Archangel Michael " e part of Sofia Sveta Gora and together with the medieval fortress Urvich Pancharevskiya monastery " St. Nicholas - Summer " church and fortress - monastery "St. Elias" form Urvich fortress complex . Cloister is located about 4 km southeast of the village Kokalyane and about 6 km northeast of Railway at the foot of Mount Manastirishte ( 1338 m ) .

From historical records we know that during the Ottoman rule the monastery near the village Kokalyane was an important literary center . Twice he was burned . In 1858 the monk Hrisant restored monastery. Forty years later the monastery was looted , and the father was killed by bandits. And to this day the monk 's grave can be seen at the front door of the yard . After the liberation Kokalyane monastery lived a new life - fully restored. In place of the old church was built new , thanks to the generous donations of the local population . In 1969 the monastery was declared a cultural monument.

One of the valuable Nachod at the monastery is called. " Urvishka collection ." It is made in the XVI century and contains 50 sheets presenting information for pilgrims , talks and eulogies for the four archangels Michael and Gabriel (including the praise of the University ) .

Nowadays the monastery "St. Archangel Michael " is permanent and consists of a self-titled Temple , two -storey monastery buildings , a kitchen, a bell tower and outbuildings. The icons were donated by residents of the railways , and the church was painted by Nicolas Obrazopisov and his students from the Samokov School of Art in 1896

By Kokalyane monastery can be reached through the center of the village Kokalyane or leave the mouth of the River Egil the main road Sofia - Samokov, as the monastery are 40-50 minutes. In the monastery does not offer food and accommodation.

• Monastery