Dragalevski Monastery "Assumption of the Virgin Mary"

The Dragalevtsi Monastery was founded in 1345 during the Second Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Ivan Alexander and later supported by Ivan Shishman. Situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, the monastery formed part of the spiritual network surrounding medieval Sofia and quickly became an important centre of Orthodox learning and manuscript production. Following the Ottoman conquest of the region, the monastery was destroyed in 1382 but was rebuilt during the 15th century, when it developed into one of Bulgaria’s major literary and religious centres under Ottoman rule.

The monastery church preserves valuable mural paintings created during its restoration period, many of which survive today and are regarded as important examples of medieval Bulgarian religious art. Additional frescoes were added in the 17th century, enriching the interior decoration. Beyond its religious role, the monastery also became connected with Bulgaria’s national liberation movement. Between 1871 and 1872, Vasil Levski frequently visited the monastery while organising revolutionary networks against Ottoman rule. Today, the monastery remains active and is valued both as a spiritual site and as an important monument of Bulgarian medieval heritage.

Opening times

Monday	08:00–17:00
Tuesday	08:00–17:00
Wednesday	08:00–17:00
Thursday	08:00–17:00
Friday	08:00–17:00
Saturday	08:00–17:00
Sunday	08:00–17:00