Temple St. Prophet Iliya – Gradevo village

The Temple St. Prophet Iliya, situated in the village of Gradevo (Southwestern Bulgaria, Simitli municipality), was constructed in 1849. The church is a stone pseudo-basilica with a nave and two aisles, with a narthex and a balcony over it. There are carvings and dragons over the southern and the western vaults. The interior has been decorated during the years by four icon-painters following the Bulgarian National Revival tradition. 36 wall-paintings from the end of the 20th century are well preserved in the altar. They were made by unknown artist and survived the earthquake in 1904. The iconostasis was made in a precious way. The carvings on the portals and frames are gilt. Eight interesting scenes from the Six Days are painted into oval medallions. The three carved crucifixes with dragon figures are put over the portals. The eight king icons were painted in 1849 by unknown artist.

Location