This architectural Orthodox monument is included in the list of the main attractions of Bulgaria. The remains of the ancient monastery, located in Varna, are a mandatory item in the program of tourists vacationing in the resorts of the country.
Located near the dynamically developing city, an empty Christian monastery is now a branch of the city museum.
Why such a name?
Aladzha is a monastery whose true name is not known to anyone. Researchers suggest that it got its name in the old days, when Bulgaria was under the oppression of the Ottoman Empire. Translated from Arabic, the word "aladzha" means "colorful, bright." It is believed that the Turks gave this name to the monastery because of its multi-colored frescoes that stand out against the background of light stone.
It is this name that was assigned to the religious complex, and the present Orthodox, unfortunately, is forgotten.
The history of the cave monastery
The two-level rock monastery Aladzha (Bulgaria) has almost a thousand-year history. In written sources it is mentioned very little, although it exists from the XII century. Monks from different parts of the country flocked to the Orthodox center to devote themselves to God. They were attracted by inaccessible terrain and complete solitude. Recently it was found that the first hermits settled in caves as far back as the 4th century, during the period of early Christianity. Then the first cells were cut down in a 40-meter rock.
The monks deepened the existing crevices, connecting them with passages. Soft calcareous material allowed to carry out these works without much difficulty.
Previously, such natural grottoes often became a sacred place where church ceremonies were held. Orthodox ministers dug cells in the ground or cut them out in stone. So there were entire religious complexes, the most famous of which was Bulgarian.
Complex research
For a long time, the Aladzha rock monastery remained unexplored, and only at the beginning of the 20th century did scientists begin their research, which continues to this day. The religious complex is considered a unique phenomenon for the country, because the main temple with monks' cells is located in natural caves.
Two tiers for monks
Aladzha Monastery (Varna), located in a steep rock, consists of two tiers interconnected by a stone staircase.
The lower one consists of a church with cells, a refectory, a crypt, utility rooms. All of them are located at the level of the second and third floors, and the upper one is at least fifth. In modest-sized rooms, separated by wooden partitions, the monks lived and prayed. On the second tier, in a rocky niche, is a chapel.
Aladzha Monastery in Bulgaria is one of the rare historical monuments in which all the premises are well preserved, and their true purpose was easily identified by scientists.
The gradual formation of the monastery
The cave religious complex acquired its appearance gradually over the course of several centuries. Aladzha Monastery, with its rules and traditions that have been formed over time, united people who devoted themselves to serving the Lord.
The formation of monastic brotherhood, as well as the heyday of the monastery, occurred in the XIII-XIV centuries.
After the conquest of Bulgaria by the Turks, the natural cave complex, located in a sheer cliff, was destroyed, but this did not prevent the hermit monks from living here for several centuries.
Catacombs of the complex
Archaeological expeditions discovered the remains of another cave monastery, called Katakombite, near the spiritual monastery. The catacombs dug during the heyday of the Byzantine Empire were inhabited by people during the 4th – 6th centuries. In three-tiered rooms, the walls of which are dotted with early Christian inscriptions, the ruins of an ancient basilica were found. Scientists are sure that approximately in the XIII century the two monasteries were combined into a single complex.
After the earthquakes, the middle tier turned out to be the best preserved, in one of the halls of which archaeologists discovered the graves of monks. Interestingly, the entrances to the caves were on two levels.
Irreparable destruction
Sadly, the calcareous rock is highly prone to erosion. Caves crumble, ceilings and walls painted with frescoes suffer. From the former splendor of the colorful rock paintings that gave the name to the monastery, there was not a trace left.
From the most famous of them, called the Ascension of the Lord, only a fragment was preserved in the chapel of the upper tier. A small area of fresco painting has great cultural value. Descendants reached watercolor sketches made during the period of XIX – XX centuries.
Due to the serious danger of collapse, all the passages to the catacombs are closed with bars, and a metal staircase is built outside. To enhance security, fences are located on the outside of the cliff.
National Monument and Museum of Varna
In the 50s of the last century, Aladzha (monastery) was recognized by the country's authorities as a national monument, and later opened a museum in it, where tourists get acquainted with the history of Christianity in a charming corner of the Balkan Peninsula.
In addition to permanent exhibits, it holds informative exhibitions on the culture and art of Bulgaria every year, exhibits collections of ancient icons, fragments of the surviving frescoes of the historical complex and mosaics of basilicas from the Byzantine Empire found on the territory of the city. Tourists are pleased that on the first floor of the museum is presented in five languages, including Russian, the history of the monastery.
Here you can buy souvenirs, church books and religious paraphernalia.
Legends of an ancient place
Local guides tell visitors of the ancient monastery various legends with which it has grown over the long time of existence. The most mysterious and mystical tells of the ghost of a monk wandering the caves, the guardian of this place. He conducts conversations with people who do not suspect that they are speaking with an ethereal spirit, and after the conversation the minister dissolves in the air in front of the frightened tourists.
No less interesting is the story of treasures hidden inside the caves. The most valuable monks who escaped from the enslaved territories of Bulgaria carried the rocky complex, closed from prying eyes. Huge wealth was hidden in a secret room, which only the elite knew. Until now, a treasure that excites the minds of residents has not been found.
Cultural and historical monument
Aladzha is a monastery that has acquired great cultural significance for Bulgaria. Now he receives visitors who have arrived in Varna from all over the world. Since 2009, colorful light and music programs have been organized for tourists in the summer, telling about the legends of a local landmark and the past of an architectural relic.
In a small amphitheater, bewitched spectators watch the visual effects of an amazing laser show right on the rock. The performance is dedicated to the memory of the first scientists who began a large-scale study of the cave complex and became the founders of Bulgarian archeology.
A memorable long-time sight
Before climbing the rock, a chest is installed in which tourists drop notes with the wishes of health for themselves and loved ones. But it is strictly forbidden to leave such messages in rocky crevices. A source of holy water beats next to the monastery, so everyone who wants to pick up healing liquid in bottles.
It is recommended to bring along special equipment to leave memorable videos and photos about getting to know the caves.
Aladzha (monastery) is located in the Golden Sands Natural Park, 17 kilometers from Varna. A popular place among forested mountainous areas is visited by ecotourism lovers and Christian pilgrims. Many believers come to an inactive religious complex to pray.
According to tourists, Aladzha is a monastery with an unusual aura. A calm and majestic place where everything breathes history, will present a lot of pleasant experiences and unforgettable minutes.