Day-Trip to Bachkovo Monastery and Asen's Fortress from Plovdiv

4.0 (one review) 2–4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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Day-Trip to Bachkovo Monastery and Asen's Fortress from Plovdiv — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Day-Trip to Bachkovo Monastery and Asen's Fortress from Plovdiv, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

A tour that encompasses the rich culture and history of Bulgaria's Rhodopes - a mountain known for its gorgeous scenery and fascinating traditional rural villages. Asen's Fortress (13th century) is located only 25 minutes from Plovdiv and offers a glimpse at Beulgarian history during medieval times. Nearby is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria - Bachkovo Monastery, a stunning work of architecture. It is home of the Miracle Working Icon of the Holy Virgin, an icon that is said to heal ailments and bring good fortune. The road up to the monastery is lined with market stalls selling local herbs, spices, jams and honey, and the restaurants offer some of the best traditional cooking in the country.

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At a glance

Duration: 2–4 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Italian, French, Spanish
Operated by: Enjoy Plovdiv

Ages: Children (0–15 years) · Adults (16–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Tour Guide

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: All Fees and Taxes

Itinerary

Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)

45 min Admission not included

Asen's Fortress is a medieval structure built atop a rocky ridge in the Rhodope mountains over the Asenitsa river.

This strategic place was first the location of a Thracian fortress, later used by the Romans, the Byzantines, and eventually the Bulgarians. It was renovated in the 13th century during the reign of Tsar Ivan Asen II to be used as a line of defense against the Latin Empire. It was destroyed in 1410 by the invading Ottoman armies. Today, the fortress lies in ruins, with a small church functioning within what remains of its walls. The “Holy Virgin of Petrich” Church is the only preserved building in the complex and one of the most remarkable examples of Medieval Christian architecture. In 1991, after a full restoration of the church, it began its function as an Orthodox temple.
Bachkovo Monastery

one hour

Bachkovo monastery “Assumption of Holy Virgin” is the second largest in Bulgaria and a national cultural landmark. Built on a spacious terrace next to one of the banks of the Chepelare river, it is easily accessible and surrounded by scenic landscapes on all sides. The cobbled road leading up to the monastery is lined with market stalls selling trinkets, folk craft, homemade jam, honey and spices. Bachkovo Monastery was founded all the way back in the 11th century, while the area was still part of the Byzantine Empire. It has since been partially destroyed, rebuilt and restored numerous times.

The monastery has its own museum showcasing crucifixes, ceremonial garbs, manuscripts, icons and donated jewelry.

The cathedral in the larger courtyard is called “Assumption of the Holy Virgin”, with the smaller “St. Archangeli” church built into its side. The “St. Nicholas” church is the centerpiece of the southern courtyard.

In the cathedral there is an icon from 1311 known as the Miracle Working Icon of the Holy Virgin, with a silver repousse cover. It is believed that the icon has miraculous powers.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Pickup points

Hotel Evmolpia
Ramada by Wyndham Plovdiv Trimontium
Hebros Hotel
HillHouse Plovdiv
Park Hotel Plovdiv
Hotel Avion
Villa Antica
Hotel Trakart Residence
Sankt Peterburg Park Hotel
Hotel Seven Hills
Hotel Residence City Garden
Roots Hotel and Wine Bar

and 20 more pickup points

We will pick you up from any hotel in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

If you would like a pick up from any location within Bulgaria, you can take advantage of our

transportation services (fees are calculated based on the distance to Plovdiv).

Using your ticket

Your driver and tour guide will stay in touch with you over the phone before the start of the tour and arrange an exact meeting point. You can show them your ticket in person.