Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The St. Archangel Michael Monastery of Kokalyane, a holy place steeped in history and legend

Photo: library

The St. Archangel Michael Monastery of Kokalyane is a little corner of paradise, located in Mount Plana near the capital city Sofia. The cloister was probably built during the reign of Tsar Samuil at the end of the 10th century. According to legend, while he was hunting in the area, Samuil killed a doe which shed heavy tears before it died. The Tsar was so moved that he ordered a monastery to be erected on the spot in honour of St. Archangel Michael, the guardian of souls who waged war on evil.

During the Ottoman invasion Kokalyane Monastery was destroyed. In the 14th century it was restored, even though in the course of almost 500 years it was attacked and raided multiple times. In 1898 a new church was erected on the spot where the old church once stood.

In our day there is a church here, as well as two chapels - The Assumption and St. Ivan of Rila, as well as residential and farm buildings. In 2000 a bell tower was built in the yard. The St. Archangel Michael keeps unique relics connected with the time of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 –1393) and Tsar Ivan Shishman – the last Bulgarian ruler before the Ottoman invasion of Bulgaria.

The Monastery of Kokalyane has two patron saints’ days – on 8 November, the day of St. Archangel Michael, and on 15 August – the Feast of the Assumption. The monastery has been declared a monument of culture.

Fine out more about this holy place, steeped in legend HERE.

Compiled by Veneta Nikolova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The Dog Days of summer are associated with the cult of fire

Three days in mid-July are given special attention in the Bulgarian calendar. 15, 16 and 17 July are known as the Dog Days or Goreshtnitsi (from goreshto, meaning 'hot') and are considered to be the hottest time of the year in Bulgaria. During this..

published on 7/9/25 10:53 AM

Verka Siderova has passed away – her voice remains a benchmark in Dobrudzha folklore

Verka Siderova, the golden voice of Bulgaria and Dobrud zh a, has completed her earthly journey at the age of 99. The sad news was announced by the singer's family. Born on April 26, 1926 in Dobrich (Northeastern..

published on 7/3/25 11:00 AM

Space – from the sacred places of Bulgaria to the achievements of Bulgarian scientists

The National Ethnographic Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences presents its new exhibition "Starry Sky – Mythology and Science" , which covers knowledge of Space from antiquity to the present day and examines mythology, ancient beliefs and the..

published on 6/12/25 10:15 AM