Sokolski Monastery
The Sokolski Monastery is an Orthodox monastery built in 1833. Its style corresponds to that of the Bulgarian National Revival that spread throughout the country after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The support of the local population of the nearby village of Gabrovo was key to giving the monastery a renewed and radiant appearance.
About this building
It was founded by the clergyman Yosif Sokolski after whom it is named. The original church and monastic buildings were made of wood. The current buildings were constructed in the following decades. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the monastery was restored and redecorated by the local population. The Sokolsky Monastery played an important role in the April Uprising, having sheltered the revolutionary fighter Vasil Levski.
The monastic complex has a large courtyard in the centre, in the middle of which stands a stone fountain by the master architect and sculptor Kolyu Ficheto. The most picturesque spot is its church, decorated with brightly coloured frescoes. The monastery houses important icons, of which the God' Mother with the Son, believed to work miracles, is the most important.
Accommodation for visitors is available at the monastery. There is also a souvenir shop selling local products.
