Preobrajenski monastery

Preobrajenski monastery is very precious architectural and artistic monument in Bulgaria. According to historical data, the monastery is built during the sixties of the 14th century – the time of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The monastery had been burnt down and plundered by the Ottoman Turks, but thanks to patriotic Bulgarians it is re-built in 1825. In 1832 with the help of a ferman (a special administrative document) published by the sultan, the restoring and building of a new church was allowed. The building of the church is finished by the famous Bulgarian master-builder Kolio Ficheto in 1834. It is cross-like, uni-dome Renaissance building with close narthex. The inner decoration – frescoes and icons are made by the great Bulgarian artist Zahari Zograf. They are made in 1849-51 and are of a great artistic value. Besides the pictures of St. Kiril and Metodii, the master has made self-portrait.