Rozhen Monastery

About

The Rozhen Monastery site has been used since at least the 13th century, as an ancient tomb, and marble frieze above the central gate attest. The church dates from the 15th century, with many of its frescoes dating from the 16th century. The monastery itself was constructed in 1611, but due to a devastating fire, was rebuilt in 1715, and the damaged frescoes restored. Covering both the the interior and exterior, these polychromatic paintings are a rare jewel. Visitors will find the interior completely covered with gilded icons and rich frescoes. The monastery's historic art and architecture has it up for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but even without UNESCO, the site is recognized across the globe - a peninsula in Antartica is named after it.