Sokolski Monastery
Sokolski Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Sokolski Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is an active Eastern Orthodox monastery located in the Balkan Mountains, near Gabrovo and the Etar Architectural and Ethnographic Complex. Founded in 1833, it is one of the most significant monuments of the Bulgarian National Revival.
History
The monastery began as a small wooden church, which was soon replaced by the present-day church, built with the support of the local community. During the Bulgarian National Revival, the monastery was home to a monastic school and a literary centre and played a role in supporting the Bulgarian national liberation movement.
Architecture and Highlights
One of the monastery’s most distinctive features is the stone fountain in the courtyard, designed by the renowned Bulgarian master builder Kolyu Ficheto in 1868. Inside the church, visitors can admire the beautifully carved iconostasis, remarkable frescoes, and valuable icons.
Spiritual Life and Visiting
Since 1959, the monastery has been a convent and continues to play an active spiritual role. Its peaceful mountain setting, beautifully maintained grounds, and unique combination of nature, history, and Bulgarian Revival architecture make it one of the most visited spiritual and cultural landmarks in the region.