Information
Landmark: Monastery of Saint PetkaCity: Veliko Tarnovo
Country: Bulgaria
Continent: Europe
Monastery of Saint Petka, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, Europe
Overview
The Monastery of Saint Petka, a centuries-old Orthodox landmark, stands in the Balkans just below Tsarevets Hill in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, where stone walls hold the cool scent of old incense.It’s dedicated to Saint Petka-also called Saint Parascheva-a beloved Byzantine-era saint the locals honor as the region’s protector, her icon often lit by a single flickering candle.Founded in the 14th century, the monastery still carries the weight of the Bulgarian Empire’s medieval past, its stone walls cool and worn smooth by centuries of hands.Tsar Ivan Alexander, ruler of the Second Bulgarian Empire from 1331 to 1371, is believed to have founded the monastery in the Middle Ages, driven by a deep devotion to Saint Petka and the quiet faith she inspired.Over the centuries, the monastery was rebuilt several times, especially after Ottoman forces shattered its walls during their conquest of Bulgaria.Today, the complex holds a small church with worn stone steps, a few chapels, and a tall bell tower.At the heart of the monastery stands the Church of Saint Petka, its walls alive with vivid frescoes showing moments from her life and the stories of other biblical figures.Inside, the faint scent of incense lingers near the saint’s relics, which draw pilgrims hoping for blessings and healing-especially for ailments of the eyes, a miracle she’s long been linked to.The relics, said to have been brought here in the 15th century, only deepened the site’s pull as a place of devotion.In the 17th century, her relics were moved to Belgrade, Serbia, yet the monastery still keeps her memory alive.The Monastery of Saint Petka remains a cornerstone of Bulgaria’s Orthodox Christian heritage and hums with life as worshippers light candles and pray.Famed for its place in local religious festivals and pilgrimages, the monastery offers a quiet refuge and a tangible link to medieval Bulgaria, carrying the spirit of devotion and resilience through centuries of foreign rule.Today, it draws tourists to Veliko Tarnovo, often as part of tours that also explore Tsarevets Fortress and other medieval treasures.Inside, the small chapel still welcomes prayer and reflection; visitors pause to light slender candles, their flames flickering in the dim, scented air.
