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Rila Monastery – “Bulgaria’s Jerusalem”

By on 2. August 2010 in Bulgaria

 

Rila Monestary, also called "Bulgaria’s Jerusalem”, Bulgaria, Europe

Rila Monestary, also called “Bulgaria’s Jerusalem”, Bulgaria, Europe

The gigantic monastery, Bulgaria’s largest, emerges out of nowhere after a 30 minutes drive from Rila Village. The road follows a narrow gorge with high wooded mountains towering each side: at some points they seem to touch the sky. This monastery originally dates back to the 10th century. The current structure was built in the mid 19th century though. People from all over Bulgaria gather here to worship and marvel at the church’s colorful frescoes and gold-laden icon paintings. The museum with lots of ecclesial treasures was one of the few in Bulgaria we encountered that provided good English translations of the displays. Continue Reading →

Rozhen Monastery – A Hidden Gem

By on 1. August 2010 in Bulgaria
Rozhen Monastery, Melnik, wine growing area, south of Bulgaria, Europe

Rozhen Monastery, Melnik, wine growing area, south of Bulgaria, Europe

Nearby Rozhen Monastery was our personal highlight in this area, so different from any monastery we have ever set foot in. Like all other Bulgarian monasteries it had been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the last 800 years. But most unique are the scenic vine-covered inner courtyard and the wooden walkways that line the walls of the L-shaped refectory. The ancient wooden planks creak with every step and the wooden stairways indeed looked centuries-old. The church contains beautiful 200 year old murals and stained-glass windows. Continue Reading →

Melnik – Cliffhanger

By on 31. July 2010 in Bulgaria
Sand-coloured cliffs around Melnik, wine growing area, south of Bulgaria, Europe

Sand-coloured cliffs around Melnik, wine growing area, south of Bulgaria, Europe

Within a comfortable 3.5 hours commute from Sophia, tiny Melnik is the ideal destination for weekenders from the capital, but also some German and French tourists can be heard. Centuries ago a commercial center, now this small village lives of the tourists that flock into the picturesque village. Continue Reading →

Highlights In And Around Cracow

By on 14. April 2009 in Poland

Cracow, Poland

The grandeur of the historic city centre of Cracow is simply fascinating. You can stroll around the city centre for days and always discover something new. It has been beautifully restored, features many pleasant and rather cheap restaurants, cafes and bars, offers many parks where you can walk and relax or just sit on a bank and enjoy a beautiful spring day. We spent several days just walking around and enjoyed every single minute. Continue Reading →