The monastery on Djanavara Hill was one of the largest and most impressive Early Christian complexes not only in Varna (ancient Odessos), but in the entire Northeastern Balkan region. Its remains were discovered in the early 20th century by Hermann Škorpil, one of the founders of Bulgarian archaeology and the Varna Archaeological Museum.
The remains of the monastery were discovered in the early 20th century by Hermengild Škorpil, one of the founders of Bulgarian archaeology and the Varna Archaeological Museum. He excavated the monastery church, notable for its unusual floor plan. The church’s monumental architecture, colorful mosaics, and fine marble decoration were impressive, but the most breathtaking discovery lay beneath the altar. In an underground crypt, Škorpil found human bones—believed to belong to a saint—placed in an elaborate gold reliquary adorned with semi-precious stones.The reliquary was placed in a small silver, sarcophagus-shaped box, which in turn was set inside another container made of fine white marble. Such relics—physical remains revered in the spiritual world—were commonly used in Byzantine churches to attract pilgrims and donations across Christendom.
The monastery is located about 7 km southwest of Varna, approximately 0.5 km west of the Asparuhovo district, in Borovets Park.
