Aladzha Monastery, the most famous medieval cave monastery on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, is located in "Golden sands" Nature Park and was inhabited by hermit monks in the 13th and 14th centuries.
It was at the end of XIX century when the founders of the Bulgarian archaeology - Shkorpil brothers, Karel and Hermin, began systematically to study this Christian monument. In 1927, Aladzha Monastery was declared a public historical monument and in 1968 it was declared an architectural cultural monument of national significance.
The monastery caves are hewn on two levels into an almost 40m high limestone rock. The first level consists of a monastery church, monastic cells, a dining premise and a kitchen, a small cemetery church, a crypt (bone-vault) and farm premises. The second level is a natural cave recess in the eastern end of which there is a monastery chapel.
600-700m west from the Monastery there is a group of caves known as the “Catacombs”. The items found by the archaeologists such as ceramics, coins, graffiti, etc., evidence that the Catacombs were inhabited during the early Christian Age (V-VI centuries).
After the fall of Bulgaria under the Ottoman yoke at the end of 14th century, Aladzha Monastery has gradually declined and it was probably around 15th – 16th century when it was finally abandoned.
The Christian name of the Monastery is unknown. The name “aladzha” (alaca) is of a Persian – Arabian origin meaning “motley, bright”. At the beginning of the last century, K. Shkorpil wrote a legend according to which the patron of the monastery was St. Spas (named after Christ the Saviour).
The unusual architectural shapes and numerous legends and myths for hidden treasures and monk ghosts hovering about the ruins create a mystical and occult atmosphere that has attracted many admirers for decades.
The cave monastery is situated in the central part of Golden Sands Naturе Park - a protected area with rare tree species. The beautiful nature surrounding the Monastery combined with the historical and mythological symbolism make the place a wonderful spot for cultural, eco and religious tourism.
For over a century now, Aladzha Monastery has been recognized as one of the most interesting destinations along the Black Sea Coast and it is included in most of the world travel guides.
The museum, built in the 1970s, adds a pleasant variety to the interior of this beautiful corner, where, in addition to the permanent exhibition presenting the monastery's past, various interesting exhibitions are organized annually. In the lobby, the visitors can buy scientific editions, Bulgarian church music CDs and various souvenirs.
You can reach Aladzha Monastery by car or by public transport - bus line 29 to bus stop Aladzha Monastery (twice per day in the morning and in the evening), or bus line 109 and bus line 409 to bus stop Chaika.
Admission:
Adults - € 2.50 / 5.00 lv.
Students - € 1.50 / 3.00 lv.
Children under 7 years old - Free
Lecture - € 2.50 / 5.00 lv.
Days determined by Order of the Council of Ministers or Varna Municipality - Free
Opening hours:
summer
May - October: 9:00 to 17:00hrs, without a day off
winter
November: 10:00 to 17:00hrs, days off - Monday and Tuesday
December - February: the site is closed
March - April: 10:00 to 17:00hrs, days off - Monday and Tuesday
Nature park "Golden sands"
Telephone: +359 52 355 460
www.museumvarna.com
