Kuklen Monastery
The Kuklen Monastery ( Bulgarian Кукленски манастир ) is an Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria . It is located about 2 km southwest of Kuklen , about 15 km south of the second largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv , on the northern edge of the Rhodope Mountains . The monastery is also known by the local residents as "St Wratsch" (St. Healer).
history
The monastery was founded during the second Bulgarian empire in the 14th century, but it was mentioned as the property of the Batschkovo monastery as early as the 11th century . The monastery was built on a spring with healing water and bears the name of the holy brothers Cosmas and Damian . Even today, many sick people visit and spend the night at this consecrated site in the belief that they will be cured or recovered. In the church “St. Cosmas and Damian ”are still hanging chains in the anteroom, which were placed over the arms or legs of the sick for a while. They are supposed to heal the sick part of the body.
The monastery was burned down several times during the period of Islamic occupation . However, the unique frescoes have been preserved to this day. In the late 18th century, many frescoes were restored by Greek monks and additional pictures with Greek inscriptions were added. All frescoes have been restored again in recent years and can now be viewed. The monastery has been declared a cultural monument , the official commemorative / holiday is July 1st (St. Cosmas and Damian). The celebration lasts for three days.
The monastery is currently in full use and is partially open to visitors.
Buildings
- Church of St. Cosmas and Damian
- Church of St. Annunciation, built around 1950
- Commercial and residential buildings
- Holy spring
St. Cosmas and Damian
The cross-shaped church, built in the 15th century, is 22 meters long and 8 meters wide. It has no domes.
Web links
Coordinates: 42 ° 1 ′ 24.3 " N , 24 ° 46 ′ 2.3" E