Gradeshnitsa Monastery

The Gradeshnitsa monastery is located 38km to the northwest of the town of Vratsa, 36km to the northeast of the town of Montana, about 1.5km west of the village of Gradeshnitsa Its establishment is related to a late Roman and early Bulgarian fortress in the Kaleto (Fortress) area that existed until the start of the 11th century before Bulgarian lands were overtaken by the Romans and also, to a medieval settlement, known simply as Selishteto (the Settlement) that existed until the Second Bulgarian State (12-14th century) and its necropolis. The monastery complex consists of two parts – an inner monastery yard and a farm yard that are entirely surrounded by high stone walls (up to 2 metres at places) with four big and two small gates. The architectural style of the present-day church confirms that it was established over the foundations of an old medieval church. This is evidenced by old stone pieces built in its construction. The church consists of a single nave, and represents a solid construction of hewed stone pieces. One of the legends about the monastery’s establishment says that a brother and a sister from the village of Gromshin decided to restore the ruined monastery in the area of Kurnivo. They carried stones beams and shingles to the place. When they started construction, a huge eagle started circling above the place and suddenly flew towards them, taking a shingle up in his feet. He then flew to the south and dropped the shingle in the place where currently the monastery stands. The people took this as an omen and built the monastery exactly in this place.