Bulgarian monasteries that sheltered revolutionary hero Vasil Levski

The monastery was founded by Tsar Ivan Alexander in 1345, during the Second Bulgarian Empire. Although it was nearly totally destroyed after the Ottoman occupation of the country, it was rebuilt in the 15th century. In the following centuries, the monastery became an important centre for culture where numerous manuscripts were produced. With its well-established literary tradition, it is not surprising that, in the 19th century, the monastery supported the campaign initiated by Vasil Levski, and offered him refuge. A strategic move also for Vasil, as the monastery is very close to the capital.

Located right in the heart of the country, the Sokolski Monastery is an excellent example of the Bulgarian National Revival. It is a monastery of recent construction, as it was not built until the 19th century. Its most important features are the monastery church and the fountain in the centre of the courtyard. Soon after its foundation, the monastery started operating a religious school. Its cloister gave shelter to various liberation fighters, among them Vasil Levski who spent time here on several occasions.

Built in the 17th century, the Troyan Monastery is the third largest monastery in Bulgaria, after Rila and Bachkovo. It is also an important place linked to Vasil Levski for two reasons: it is where the national hero founded his first revolutionary committee (made up exclusively of monks) and it preserves the room where he used to hold meetings with his comrades and plan his strikes against the Turks. The former shelter is now part of the monastery museum, open to anyone who wants to learn about the life and history of Vasil Levski.

The Glozhene Monastery enjoys spectacular views as it is built on top of a hill. It is said that this site was chosen by St George himself, the patron saint of the monastery, since, according to legend, his icon disappeared several times from the original monastery at the foot of the hill, only to appear the next day at the top of the hill. The monastery hid several revolutionary fighters, among them Vasil Levski, and also took part in the April Uprising of 1876, a major insurrection organised by the Bulgarians against the Turks.

The Dryanovo monastery was founded in the 12th century, although it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt throughout the Ottoman rule. After the restoration in 1845, the monastery would house the 'Apostle of Freedom', Vasil Levski, as well as other revolutionaries who fought for Bulgarian independence. After the death of Vasil Levski, the monastery took an active part in the April Uprising for Bulgarian independence, storing food and weapons to support the cause. The monastery has a museum dedicated to this chapter in the country's history.

The monastery of Sopot was linked to Vasil Levski’s life before and after the start of his revolutionary campaign. On 7 December 1858, Vasil Levski was ordained as deacon Ignatii in this monastery. Three years later he abandoned the monastic life to embark on his revolutionary campaign against the Ottoman Empire. During those years, the abbess Hristina, who was his aunt, sheltered him on several occasions. Today, visitors can see the abbess's cell, the secret passage to a hidden meeting room and Vasil Levski's own refuge room.