Melnik and the Rozhen monastery

Melnik is the smallest town of Bulgaria well known with its unique white houses, most of them are declared as national monuments. Melnik and the nearby Rozhen monastery are one of the most popular tourist destinations of Bulgaria.

Melnik is surrounded by impressive nature and huge sand pyramids with different shapes.

In some places the pyramids are vertical and their shapes are still changing due to wind and weather.

The town is also very popular for its wine and architectural monuments of the Renaissance like Kordopulova and Pashovs houses.

The town is nestled in the slopes of Pirin.

The pyramids are natural attractions that fascinate people from all around the world.

The combination of good wine, excellent cuisine and unique nature make Melnik one of the most attractive tourist destinations.

Rozhen monastery is located close to the village of Rozhen, 10 km away from Melnik.

Rozhen monastery is the biggest monastery in Pirin Mountain and is one of the few medieval Bulgarian monasteries well preserved until today. 

The main church and some monastery buildings have been built in 16th century and decorated with frescoes.

In the early 17th century the monastery was damaged by fire and rebuilt in the early 18th century with the financial support of wealthy Bulgarians from all over the country.

In 19^th century the monastery was one the biggest cultural centers in Bulgaria.

In the beginning of 20^th century the famous Bulgarian revolutionary Yane Sandanski spent the rest of his life in the monastery.

The monastery has an irregular hexagonal shape. The residential buildings surround a beautiful yard in the middle of which is the church famous with its stained glass windows, carvings and holy icons.

Today the monastery is well maintained and open for visitors throughout the year.