The Bachkovo Monastery is an ancient Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.
The monastery was established by the Georgian military commander, Grigorii Bakuriani, and his brother, Abasii Bakuriani, in 1083.
The Bachkovo Monastery has seen periods of prosperity, decline, and restoration.
It survived multiple raids and attacks during the turbulent medieval era and still managed to preserve its spiritual significance and architectural heritage.
The monastery is vital to Bulgarian culture, religious education, and national identity during Ottoman rule.
This article covers everything you must know before booking Bachkovo Monastery tickets.
Table of Contents
What to expect at Bachkovo Monastery
Here’s what you can expect at the Bachkovo Monastery.
Majestic Architecture
The architectural style of the Bachkovo Monastery contains Byzantine, Georgian, and Bulgarian elements.
The monastery is adjacent to the Church of the Virgin Mary (Church of the Assumption), constructed in the 13th century.
The church epitomizes medieval Bulgarian architecture, featuring intricate frescoes and beautiful iconostasis.
St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas Church, built in the 19th century, houses religious artifacts and relics.
The interiors are adorned with stunning murals and religious paintings.
This provides a glimpse into the artistic achievements of the time.
Bachkovo Madonna
Bachkovo Monastery has the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, known as the Bachkovo Madonna.
Many pilgrims visit the monastery specifically to see this sacred icon and seek its blessings.
The Museum
The Bachkovo Monastery harbors a small museum where you can learn more about the region’s history.
It features religious artifacts, historical items, and cultural exhibits.
Scenic Backdrop
The Bachkovo Monastery is set in a picturesque location amidst the Rhodope Mountains.
You can enjoy the tranquil beauty by taking a stroll and relaxing around the monastery.
The natural landscapes add to the serene atmosphere and spiritual ambiance.
Purchase Souvenirs
Bachkovo Monastery hosts stalls and shops where you can buy souvenirs, handmade crafts, and locally produced items as a memento.
If you’re interested in history, culture, and spirituality, you should visit the Bachkovo Monastery for a memorable and enriching experience.
| Ticket | Cost |
|---|---|
| Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery | лв 272 (€140) |
| Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery | лв 465 (€238) for 2 adults |
| Bachkovo Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip | лв 450 (€230) for 2 adults |
Where to book tickets
You can purchase your Bachkovo Monastery Tour tickets online in advance.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
The Bachkovo Monastery provides a memorable experience with beautiful surroundings; hence the tickets are often in high demand and might sell out early.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Booking early online helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Bachkovo Monastery ticket booking page, select your preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets instantly.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email.
You don’t need to take any printouts. You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and start the tour.
Bachkovo Monastery ticket cost
Tickets for Bachkovo Monastery Bulgaria are priced at лв 272 (€140) for all adults aged 12 years and above.
Children between four and 11 years pay a discounted price of лв 102 (€52) for entry.
Infants aged three years and below can enter for free.
The Bachkovo Monastery Tour ticket cost starts from лв 108 and goes up to лв 272 depending upon the group size.
Bachkovo Monastery tickets
You can choose between the following Bachkovo Monastery Tour tickets according to your budget and convenience.
Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery
Once you’re picked up from your hotel in Sofia, you’ll enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Plovdiv.
See historic sites like the Roman Theatre and Stadium.
Explore the charming Old Town with its traditional houses and cobbled streets from the Revival Period.
After a tasty Bulgarian lunch, you’ll take a 25-minute drive to Asenova Fortress, perched on a cliff in the Rodopi Mountains.
Next, visit the Bachkovo Monastery and admire the beautiful mural paintings that have been well-preserved over the years.
Finally, you’ll be driven back to Sofia and dropped off at your accommodation.
Ticket Cost: лв 272 (€140)
Buy This TicketFull-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery
This full-day tour takes you to Plovdiv and the Bachkovo Monastery, about 170 kilometers from Sofia.
The journey starts in the morning, and you’ll spend about 2.5 hours exploring the old town of Plovdiv, including its Roman and medieval ruins.
Afterward, stroll on the main street and enjoy an outdoor café or grab a quick kebab sandwich.
Before heading back to Sofia in the evening, you’ll stop at the Bachkovo Monastery, where you can admire the churches and the wall paintings from 1602 in the dining room.
Ticket Cost: лв 465 (€238) for 2 adults
Buy This TicketBachkovo Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip
Your day trip starts with a 10 am hotel pickup.
Travel to Bachkovo Monastery, which takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes through the beautiful Rhodope Mountains.
Next, head to Plovdiv, which is around a 30-minute drive.
You can have lunch at a traditional restaurant and then visit the charming old town of Plovdiv.
Take your time to explore and see the impressive architecture and the Roman theater.
Finally, the day trip concludes with a drive back to Sofia.
Ticket Cost: лв 450 (€230) for 2 adults
Buy This TicketSave time and money! Buy the Sofia Pass to learn about one of Europe’s oldest towns while taking in UNESCO-listed structures, remnants of the Soviet era, and examples of the city’s rich artistic history. At just €90, visit the Boyana Church, National historical museum, National Archaeological Museum, Royal Church, and more.
How to reach Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria
The Bachkovo Monastery is near the Bas-relief of St. Patriarch Euthymius of Turnovsky museum.
Address: 4251 Бачковски манастир, Bulgaria. Get Directions!
You can reach the Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria by both public and private transportation.
We recommend using private transport to reach the attraction.
By Train
Take trains 19202, 19206, 19208, 19210, 19212, 19214, 19216, 19218, 19220, 19224, 19226, 19228, 19230, 19232, 19234, 19270, and 19272 to reach Asenovgrad Train Station, an 18-minute drive from the Bachkovo Monastery.
By Car
If you are traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
There are enough parking garages around the attraction.
Bachkovo Monastery timings
The Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria opens for visitors at 7 am and closes at 8 pm in summer.
During winter, the monastery closes early, at 7 pm.
How long does the tour take
A visit to the Bachkovo Monastery lasts around 2 hours, during which you can explore the main courtyard, visit the churches, admire the frescoes, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
However, if you are particularly interested in history, art, or want to take your time to savor the experience, you might want to spend more than 2 hours.
Some visitors combine their visit to Bachkovo Monastery with nearby attractions or activities, such as hiking in the surrounding natural areas or visiting other historical sites.
In such cases, the total duration of your trip will depend on the additional activities you plan.
Best time to visit Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria
The best time to visit Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria is when the monastery opens at 7 am.
If you prefer to avoid large crowds, consider visiting during the weekdays.
However, if you enjoy the crowd, weekends are good too!
The best seasons to visit Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria are spring and autumn.
During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, making sightseeing and exploring the surrounding areas comfortable.
In spring, you’ll witness colorful flowers and lush greenery blooming, creating a picturesque landscape around the monastery.
FAQs about the Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria
Here are some FAQs about the Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria:
How do I get to Bachkovo Monastery?
To reach Bachkovo Monastery, you can take a bus or drive from Plovdiv or Sofia, the closest major cities.
What are the visiting hours of Bachkovo Monastery?
The monastery is open to visitors daily from 7 am to 8 pm.
Can I take photographs inside the Bachkovo Monastery?
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the monastery, but it is essential to be respectful and not use flash photography
Is there a dress code for visiting Bachkovo Monastery?
Yes, you should dress modestly when entering the monastery grounds. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing and cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
Is the Bachkovo Monastery accessible for people with disabilities?
While the monastery is an old historic site, efforts have been made to make it accessible to all visitors. Nevertheless, owing to the terrain’s characteristics and the age of the structures, individuals with mobility challenges may encounter certain limitations.
Are there any specific rules for behavior inside the Bachkovo Monastery?
Yes, visitors are expected to behave respectfully while inside the monastery. Loud talking or disruptive behavior should be avoided, as the site is considered a place of worship and pilgrimage.
Can I purchase souvenirs at Bachkovo Monastery?
Yes, there are stalls inside the monastery where you can buy religious items, postcards, and traditional Bulgarian handicrafts.
Is there a parking area at the Bachkovo Monastery?
Yes, there is a designated parking area near the monastery’s entrance where visitors can park their vehicles.
The Bachkovo Monastery is a must-see in Bulgaria! 🌄 It’s super close to Asenovgrad, up in the mountains. 🏔️ Before you hit the monastery, there’s a cute street with shops and restaurants to check out. You could easily spend a whole day there just chilling. Perfect spot for families and fresh mountain air! 😎🍃
This spot might be even cooler than Rila Monastery. The road there is lined with stalls selling affordable Bulgarian artifacts, and the monastery’s murals are a must-see. Totally worth a day trip. It’s in a stunning location, but then again, all monasteries are!