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Kremikovtsi Monastery

A 14th-century monastery on the northeastern edge of Sofia with a remarkable 1493 fresco cycle that survived Ottoman rule almost untouched.

Where
Novi Iskar
Time needed
1-2 hr visit
Tickets
Free
Free entry
Yes
Frescoed church of Kremikovtsi Monastery in a green valley Frescoed church of Kremikovtsi Monastery in a green valley

What to expect at Kremikovtsi Monastery

Kremikovtsi Monastery of St. George the Victorious sits in a green fold of the Stara Planina foothills, just far enough from Sofia to feel rural but close enough to reach by city bus. Founded in the 14th century, destroyed by the Ottomans in 1382, and rebuilt in 1493 by a wealthy Sofia citizen named Radivoy in memory of his two young children who had died of plague, the small stone church contains one of the most complete and best-preserved late 15th-century fresco cycles in Bulgaria. Donor portraits of Radivoy, his wife Vidoslava and their two dead children are on the north wall.

The monastery compound is larger than Dragalevtsi's — three quadrangles, a bell tower, gardens of pear and cherry trees, and a modern 19th-century church alongside the medieval one. The old church is the reason to come: barely 12 metres long, dark inside, and covered from floor to dome in original 1493 painting. Look for the scene of St. George slaying the dragon on the south wall, and the touching portrait of the two children in their small ceremonial robes on the north. Nuns live in the compound and one usually opens the medieval church on request.

It takes some effort to reach — bus 117 from the Iztochna kapiya bus terminus on the eastern edge of Sofia, about 45 minutes total from the centre. Come on a Saturday when Bulgarian families arrive with picnics, or a weekday for solitude. Combine with a walk in the surrounding hills or a stop at Kremikovtsi village. Not a place for people short on time, but if you want to see the finest Bulgarian medieval painting outside Boyana with no crowd and no ticket, this is it.

Plan your visit TicketsFree Free entryYes Time needed1-2 hr visit WhereNovi Iskar Opening hours Daily 8:00-17:00 Hotels near Kremikovtsi Monastery

Questions about Kremikovtsi Monastery

Entry cost?

Free. Donations for the old church restoration are welcome.

Free days?

Always free.

Time needed?

1-2 hours including transport time from central Sofia.

Closed days?

Open every day, though the old church may be locked when a nun is not around.

Booking?

No.

How to get there?

Bus 117 from Iztochna kapiya terminus on the eastern edge of Sofia — 30 minutes ride, then 10 minutes walk.

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