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Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo

NHK World Heritage 100 Series

Narration Text

A plateau stretches across North-Eastern Bulgaria; craggy gorges cut into the plateau. These cliffs were caused by long-term erosion from the Roussenski Lom River, a tributary of the River Danube. The cliff can reach 50 meters in height. This is where are found the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo.

Christian monks started to dig out natural caves and made churches inside, in the 13th Century. At one point, there were over 300 churches. The place became the most important holy site in Bulgaria. Centuries ago, people had to climb the cliff with ropes.

This is the "Holy Virgin Church". It is the best preserved church here. A monk called Joachim hewed out the first cave church. Later he became an archbishop of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Many followers visited the churches and helped spread their fame. Leading painters of the time were invited to paint church wall frescos and ceilings. Masterpieces by painters of the Tarnovo School of Painting are still found here.

This ceiling fresco depicts the last week of Jesus Christ’s life as told in the Bible. This painting depicts "The Last Supper". This is when Judas betrays Jesus. When Jesus was condemned, Judas, in deep remorse, went to the elders to return the silver he had received. However they refused the money. Judas then hanged himself. This depicts when Jesus was led to Golgotha. And this is when Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross. Later Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven.

Many devoted monks have prayed here. However, after the Ottoman invasion at the end of 14th century, the Rock-Hewn Churches were abandoned. These Holy cave paintings have weathered in the absence of their masters.