Rock Monasteries

13 kilometers from Shumen, comprising of churches, several cells and tombs, rock monasteries are located. The biggest monastery of all is called “Kostadinov monastery”.

The Direkliya monastery was carved into a solid inaccessible rock. It is considered to be connected with the name of King Konstantin “king and ruler of all Bulgarians” from the Second Bulgarian kingdom. Southeast of the Direkliya monastery can be seen another formation with a horse-shoe shaped floor.

Another monastery can be seen 13 km from Shumen, northwest of Troitza village into a rock called Mamil Tash. Into the same defile, consisting of two separate galleries, cave grooves are preserved.    

Khan Krum rock monastery is located 9 km from Shumen. Steep stones carved into the rock lead to an altar. Monks lived in natural caves during 12th – 14th c.     

There are more monastic cells in the Eastern side of the plateau. Some of them are carved in the rock, while others are created like constructions hanging from the rock.

There are more than 10 monastic cells above the Divdyadovo district. The steps, leading to the cells are well preserved and the walls are carved with murals which are not visible anymore.

For information and guides:

Shumen Plateau Nature Park Administration
2 Stara Planina Street, Shumen
Tel/ fax: +359 (54) 800 765
www.shumenskoplato.net