Saint Nikola the Miracle Worker

Kapinovski Monastery, Kapinovo nestles in the forest and close to river pools and waterfalls. This monastery is a beautiful example of a Bulgarian village monastery. Craftsman originally constructed in 1272 according to the foundation stone in the cornice above the altar.

The History of the Monastery

Sadly, the monastery has been repeatedly destroyed over the years. Two self-taught craftsmen from Dryanovo started the present refurbishment in 1835. If you are lucky a monk will accompany you on a tour of the monastery’s many rooms and gardens.

In 1835 craftsman built a new monastery church. It is a long basilica with spacious entrance and without domes. took 8 years. They also constructed the new 2-storey houses, which exist today. The outward wall is 8m high and 1,5 m wide. This is how they created the imposing fortress-style we see today.

Icons & Wall Paintings

In the church of the monastery you can see a marvelous wood-carved iconostasis from 18 century. We can also admire beautiful carvings such as “St. Ilia in a chariot” and 12 scenes from his life, “St. Dimitar on a horse” and 12 scenes from his life.

On the iconostasis lie the icons of “St. Nikola” and 12 scenes of his life, “St. Joan the Baptist”, “Arahangel Michail” drawn by Papa Vitan in 1820 – an artist from Tryavna, “Virgin Mary” drawn by Joan Popovich from Elena in 1820, and “All-powerful Christ”. Very interesting are the carved doors of the iconostasis and a throne from 19 century.

The only wall-painting in the cloister is on the eastern side of the open air narthex. It illustrates scenes of the Day of Judgment. It is one of the biggest wall-paintings in Bulgarian monumental painting.

If you want to hire a car to visit the monastery, click here.