BULGARIA ~ Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of a group of monolithic religious buildings... wonderful examples of Bulgarian medieval art... once home to monks who hewed cells, churches and chapels out of solid rock... this complex had up to 300 rooms at its peak.... the only one open to visit is the small St. Archangel Michael Chapel ("The Buried Church")... the beautiful and well-preserved colours of the frescoes on the walls and ceiling are still vivid and impressive... with great matching Ivanovo Rock Monastery stamps👍... Thanks a lot Mariyana! (ツ)

 © Photo: Boyko Kalev Design: Vlado Prangov
Ivanovo is located in Central-North Bulgaria along the right bank of Danube river in the Danubian Plain. This rock-hewn complex dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. It is thought to have been founded around 1220. Beyond these dates, not much is known. The frescoes in the churches are from the same lengthy time period, some were painted in the 13th century and some the late 14th century.

Located in Roussensky Lom nature park, which is on Bulgaria's Tentative List since 1979.

 Stamps:

2X Flora - Mushrooms 

(Issued 10-02-2014)

2X Cultural and Historical Heritage - The 800th Anniversary of the Ivanovo Rock Monastery 

(Issued 07-07-2021)