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One of the oldest monasteries in the Bulgarian lands, it
rises in the picturesque Chaya river valley, 29 km south
of Plovdiv. Founded in 1083, Bachkovo Monastery is chiefly
known for its original architecture, rich collections of
old icons, jewelry, coins and church plate. The library
preserves many valuable incunabula and old manuscripts.
Its most remarkable feature, however, are the paintings
that are seen everywhere, in the church and ossuary, where
the figure of the Bulgarian Tsar Ivan Alexander is discernible
among the 14th century murals, in the refectory (1601),
in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin main church (1604),
and in the Holy Trinity and St. Nicholas church (I 840),
which contain some of the first murals painted by the National
Revival artist Zahari Zograph.
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