Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo

Some 23 kilometers southwest of Rousse there is an unique archeological reserve - the Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. Located at a height of 6 to 8 metres, the compound was founded in the 12th century and was inhabited by monks till the 17th century. Chronicles and the preserved church murals show that the community of hermits also created a blossoming literary center during the 13th - 14th century. The illustrations are colorful and realistic and represent popular scenes from the New Testament showing the last days of the life of Jesus. In the Covered-up church one can see the church-donor's portrait - most likely the czar Ivan Asen II. They say that Theodora (the first wife of czar Ivan-Alexandur), who adopted her name in religion Theofana is depicted at the so called Ruined church. The church-donor's portrait of Ivan-Alexandur with the model of the church in his hands can be found in the main church "Holy Virgin" of the complex.
The Ivanovo churches contain some of the best frescoes of Bulgarian religious art. The rock monasteries have been evaluated as an important stage in the development of European culture and recorded on the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage.
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