Dryanovo Monastery

To the south of Veliko Tarnovo is the town of Dryanovo, A few kilometres further on is The Dryanovo Monastery a functioning Bulgarian Orthodox monastery which is situated in the Andaka River Valley and inside the boundaries of  Bulgarka Nature Park.

It was founded in the 12th century, during the Second Bulgarian Empire, and is dedicated to Archangel Michael. Twice the monastery was burnt down and pillaged during the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria, the monastery was restored to its present condition in 1845.

 

It was the site of several battles during the April Uprising of 1876 and a monument to the uprising can be seen inside the grounds.
The setting of the monastery is quite beautiful with a huge towering cliff as a backdrop and the river to the rear.

Across the river and behind the restaurant is a paved path giving an easy stroll through shading trees to the Bacho Kiro Cave.

On site there is car parking, some touristy craft shops and a couple of restaurants. The monastery also has a small area with animals and birds together with a display area of old farming equipment and other interesting stuff.