Dragalevtsi Monastery

The Dragalevtsi monastery, called "Virgin Mary of Vitosha", is located about 3 km kilometers south of the village of Dragalevtsy (which became formally a quarter of Sofia a few years ago), situated in the lower parts of the Vitosha mountain. One of the most beautiful Bulgarian monasteries, it could be a perfect stop during a weekend trip in the mountain.

The monastery's construction dates back to 1345, known as the time of the Second Bulgarian State (which ended with the Ottoman invasion in Bulgarian lands at the end of the 14th century) and the reign of the Bulgarian King Ivan Alexander (1331-1371). In contrast to most other Bulgarian monasteries, Dragaletzi monastery was saved from destruction by the Ottoman invaders. Unfortunately, a few years later, it was abandoned by its monks. Soon afterwards, in 1476, it was restored by a Sofia bolyar, Radoslav Mavar. Meanwhile, the small church of the monastery was decorated with fascinating frescoes, most of which have been preserved to present days. Among these, the portraits of Radoslav Mavar, his wife and two sons carry the highest ethnographic and artistic value. In the 17th century, the central part of the church was decorated with new wall paintings.

The Dragalevtzy monastery took active part in the secret revolutionary activity against the Turks in the mid-19th century. The abbot of the monastery, Genadii, was a close friend and collaborator of the national hero Vassil Levski, and contributed vigorously to the organisation of revolutionary committees in the Sofia region.