The Bachkovo Monastery – How to Get There and More

Bulgarian Monasteries

Bulgaria is a country with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and an essential part of it is its monasteries. These remarkable complexes are not only historical and architectural landmarks but also powerful symbols of Bulgarian identity. Throughout centuries of political upheaval and foreign rule, monasteries preserved the Christian faith, language, and traditions of the Bulgarian people.

One of the most impressive monasteries in Southern Bulgaria is Bachkovo Monastery (pronounced Bachkovski manastir). Located just 29 km south of Plovdiv and 9 km from Asenovgrad, it lies beautifully nestled in the valley of the Chepelarska River in the Western Rhodope Mountains.

Its convenient location makes it an ideal addition to a day trip from Plovdiv. Even better — the monastery is only about 10 km from Asen’s Fortress, allowing visitors to combine two remarkable landmarks in one memorable Bulgarian adventure.

Why Bulgarian Monasteries Matter

Monasteries have played a vital role in Bulgarian history. They served as centers of education, spirituality, and national preservation during difficult times. Many of them impress visitors with their striking architecture, peaceful courtyards, and richly decorated churches.

Intricate wood-carved iconostases and vivid frescoes create a unique atmosphere inside these sacred spaces. Some monasteries are also home to revered miraculous icons that attract pilgrims from all over the country, especially during major religious holidays.

Bachkovo Monastery is one such place. It houses a sacred icon of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to have healing powers and to bring hope to those praying for children. For believers and visitors alike, this adds an extra layer of meaning to the monastery’s already powerful presence.

History of The Bachkovo Monastery

Bachkovo Monastery was founded in 1083 by two brothers of Byzantine-Georgian origin, Gregory and Abasios Bakuriani. Over the centuries, it has grown into the second largest monastery in Bulgaria, after Rila Monastery.

The complex consists of several remarkable buildings. The main church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin (Sv. Bogoroditsa), is the spiritual heart of the monastery. Visitors can also explore the churches of Sv. Arhangeli (Holy Archangels) and Sv. Nikola (Saint Nicholas), each with its own artistic and historical value.

Among the most fascinating parts of the complex are the Old Refectory (Starata Trapezaria), famous for its beautifully preserved wall paintings, and the Ossuary (Kostnitsa) — one of the oldest preserved monastery buildings in Bulgaria, dating back to the 11th century.

What makes Bachkovo Monastery truly unique is its cultural blend. Throughout its long history, it has preserved elements of three traditions — Byzantine, Georgian, and Bulgarian — creating a distinctive architectural and spiritual atmosphere that reflects the crossroads nature of the region.

How to get to The Bachkovo Monastery:

By car

The most convenient way to reach Bachkovo Monastery is by car.

From Plovdiv, take the boulevard Asenovgradsko Shose and head southeast, following the signs toward Asenovgrad. (If you are unsure where to find the boulevard, you can check our previous blog post about Asen’s Fortress, where we explain the route in more detail.)

Asenovgradsko Shose merges with Road No. 86, which connects Plovdiv and Asenovgrad. Continue straight, and after about 15 minutes you will reach the town of Asenovgrad. Stay on the same road as you leave the town, and shortly after you will pass by Asen’s Fortress on your left.

Do not turn off Road No. 86 for the next 10 kilometers (approximately another 15 minutes). You will soon arrive in the village of Bachkovo.

The monastery is located about one kilometer south of the village center. If you continue driving along the main road, you will see a sign reading “Бачковски манастир” (Bachkovo Monastery) pointing to a left turn. Follow that road, and it will lead you directly to the monastery entrance.

By bus:

Another convenient way to reach Bachkovo Monastery is by bus from Plovdiv.

Since Bachkovo is a small village, there is no separate bus line operating exclusively between Plovdiv and the monastery. Instead, the village is a regular stop on several regional routes connecting Plovdiv with towns in the Rhodope Mountains, such as Smolyan, Madan, Rudozem, Nedelino, and Zlatograd.

When purchasing your ticket, simply state Bachkovo as your destination. Keep in mind, however, that you will be boarding a bus heading toward one of these towns — Bachkovo is an intermediate stop along the way. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

Unlike the buses to Asenovgrad, which depart from Yug (South) Bus Station, the buses heading toward Smolyan leave from Rodopi Bus Station. The good news is that the two bus stations are located very close to each other, within walking distance, so transferring between them is easy.

Useful Information for the monastery:

Opening Hours

• Winter season: 07:00 – 19:00
• Summer season: 07:00 – 20:00

Contacts

📞 +359 879 15 18 18
📞 +359 877 78 33 77
📞 +359 877 42 77 72
📞 +359 877 11 11 48

✉️ bachkovomanastir.office@gmail.com

Entrance Fees

Entrance to the courtyard and the main church of Bachkovo Monastery is free of charge.

A small fee of approximately 3–5 euro is required to visit the museum and the Old Refectory (where the famous “Last Judgment” mural is located).

Tickets can be purchased on site.

Accommodation

It is also possible to stay overnight at the monastery’s guesthouse.

For reservations, please contact:
📞 +359 988 30 53 84
✉️ bachkovskimanastir.noshtuvka@gmail.com

Couples who wish to rent a private room must be legally married. All guests staying at the monastery are expected to observe Christian modesty in both behavior and dress. The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note that opening hours and prices may change. We recommend checking the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

Back to Plovdiv

To return to Plovdiv by bus, you can catch one of the regular buses departing from the stop near Bachkovo Monastery or from the village parking area. These buses travel to Rodopi Bus Station in Plovdiv and are usually part of the routes coming from Smolyan, Pamporovo, or Madan toward the city. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. The bus stop is near the Restaurant Chinarite.

If you happen to miss a direct bus to Plovdiv, another convenient option is to take a local bus to Asenovgrad and transfer there. From Asenovgrad, buses and trains to Plovdiv run frequently — approximately every 30 minutes — making it an easy and reliable alternative for your return trip.

Article picture: bachkovskimanastir.com

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