Maryanski monastery The Holy Transfiguration

The Maryanski monastery The Holy Transfiguration is located some 4 km away from the town of Elena, Veliko Tarnovo district. A monastery has erected here yet in 8ht-9th century, which is evidenced by the six capitals of columns found here, four of which are now in the National museum of history, and two are kept in the monastery. The today’s church was built in 1835. During the diggings, the foundations of an old Christian temple were found, and a marble sarcophagus was found in the altar, were lied a skeleton with a Gospel and crown. Some people think that this may be the grave of the King Boris. According to another story the Queen Mara, the sister of King Ivan Shishman, stayed in the monastery before leaving for Constantinople to marry sultan Murad. After the sultan died she came back in the monastery. Probably the monastery was named after the Queen Mara. The nowadays monastery is active from 1992. Some of the biggest and most beautiful icons from the Elena clerical district, painted by the old masters from the Tryavna School, may be seen here.