Kalofer Monastery Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Overview

The Kalofer male monastery "Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary" is located about 6 km north of the sub-Balkan town of Kalofer. It is located in a picturesque valley on the right bank of the White River, at the southern foot of the Balkan Mountains. The monastery is actually a nunnery (since 1954), but is traditionally called "male".

There is almost no information about the origin of this monastery and its earliest history. Most that is known about her comes from legends and legends. Although the founding of the monastery dates back to the beginning of the 17th century, there is no reliable evidence to prove this. During the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation (1877-1878) during the temporary withdrawal of Russian troops in July 1877, when Kalofer was cremated, the Kalofer Monastery, as well as many other Christian shrines in the area, was again completely destroyed by the Turks. Only the altar and a few half-demolished walls remain of the monastery temple, after which it remained abandoned for several years. Shortly after the Liberation - in 1881, the monastery was rebuilt. Then, on the foundations of the old church, the present monastery church was built.

The Kalofer Monastery is a complex of residential and farm buildings, a cathedral and a holy chapel "St. Panteleimon" (built in 1825), which is about 400 meters south of the main monastery body.

The last restoration of the monastery was carried out in 1981, on the occasion of the 1300th anniversary of the founding of the Bulgarian state. The restoration began in 1981 and ended in 1984, at which time it was also supplied with water. Today the Kalofer Monastery "Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary" is active as a maiden. His temple holiday is celebrated on September 8 (the day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary).