Monastery of St John the Baptist, Kardzhali

To the east of the main church stood the residence of the abbot, who also held the position of bishop of Ahridos, one of the most significant medieval dioceses in the Rhodope region. Archaeological discoveries, including lead seals bearing the names of Bishops Toma, Konstantin, and Eustatic, have confirmed the monastery's ecclesiastical importance. In the early 13th century, part of the church was converted into a crypt, and excavations carried out in 1998 revealed an exceptional burial containing the remains of a high-ranking bishop alongside fragments of gold-woven episcopal garments dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. Portions of the church's medieval frescoes have survived, with some dating to the 13th century. Following extensive restoration, the monastery acquired its present appearance in 2000 and continues to function as an active religious site.