Property in Bulgaria: homes near monasteries and churches

Since ancient times, monasteries and churches in Bulgaria have been built in “places of power”. It is no wonder that pilgrims from other countries come to Bulgaria every year.

Churches were built in places where there was a spring of healing water and beautiful nature. The uniqueness, the beauty and the ability to fill a person with energy and unlock their spiritual resources have remained in these places to this day.  Many people who have experienced such sensations dream of buying property near Bulgarian churches and monasteries.

The most well-known churches in Bulgaria are the Cathedral of the Assumption in Varna, the St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral in Sofia, the Rila Monastery and the Aladzha Monastery near the Golden Sands resort.

We will tell you in more detail about some of these churches and the cost of property nearby.

Aladzha

One of the most striking monasteries in Bulgaria, well known far beyond the country’s borders, is the Aladzha “Holy Trinity” Monastery. Built into the rocks in the 13th century, for centuries it served as a refuge and shelter for Christians who were hiding from the Ottomans and seeking spiritual purification. Today there is a museum here, together with uninhabited rock cells, but the strength and energy emanating from the stones are felt by many tourists, and they are impossible to forget.

The monastery is located 14 km from Varna and 3 km from the Golden Sands resort. Here you can buy luxurious apartments with a sea view, modest studios and two-room flats. Most of them are located in residential complexes. Owners can go to the beach, enjoy relaxing by the pools and take pleasure in skilfully prepared dishes and refined wines. The price per square metre is 500–800 euros.

A particular luxury is the purchase of a house for permanent residence in Golden Sands. Three-storey villas with a sea view cost 2,000 euros per square metre. A large family can live in them. The cottages are excellent for renting out. 

In the mountains

Clean mountain air and stunning nature surround the mountain monasteries. The most recognisable and world-famous is the Rila Monastery, hidden away in the Rila Mountains. There are no large settlements nearby. However, 95 km away lies the famous ski resort of Borovets. At roughly the same distance is the town of Bansko – a favourite spot for skiers and snowboarders. 

Property in Bansko can be bought in complexes adapted for holidays and year-round living. In the town itself there are residential buildings, shops and restaurants. The price per square metre starts from 350 euros.

The active Bachkovo Monastery is nestled at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains, 20 km from Plovdiv – Bulgaria’s second-largest city.  Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the country. There are numerous enterprises, banks, supermarkets and restaurants here, as well as a famous university. Property is sold in panel buildings, new developments and townhouses. Cottages can also be purchased. It is 50 km to the Chepelare ski resort and 53 km to Pamporovo. 

The Dryanovo, Sokolski and Kapinovo monasteries are located in the Stara Planina mountains. The nature here is stunningly beautiful, with waterfalls and old villages that have preserved the spirit of history and legend. In the villages, old houses and modern cottages are for sale. Housing can be bought for a song.

Citizens of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany are buying rural houses and restoring them. Many of the newcomers set up guesthouses and hotels, engage in agriculture and work in tourism.
The history of the monasteries located in the mountains begins in the 10th–13th centuries. They have survived fires and attacks by the Ottomans. In the 19th century they were centres of the liberation movement. Today they are places that, once visited, make it impossible to remain the same person. 

Churches and monasteries of Burgas

There are active monasteries in the Burgas region. The most well-known is the men’s monastery of St. George the Victorious in the town of Pomorie, whose foundation dates back to the 7th century AD. On the grounds are a museum, monastic cells, a garden and a spring with holy water. New residential districts have been built nearby. 

The special location of Pomorie has turned the town into a balneological resort. It is surrounded by the sea on two sides, with Lake Pomorie on the third. One-room, two-room and three-room flats near St. George the Victorious are sold in ordinary residential buildings and complexes. Many of the apartments have a sea view. A studio here can be bought from €18,000. A two-room flat costs from €38,000. A three-room apartment starts from €50,000.

Near Pomorie there are several cosy villages – Kamenar and Laka. Modern cottages are on sale here from €48,000, and old houses from €20,000.

Near Burgas is the Gornoezerovo convent of “the Holy Mother of God”. It is 1.5 km to the Burgas district of Gorno Ezerovo. Houses with a plot of land are sold here for just €40,000. Two-storey cottages with renovation and furniture cost €90,000–100,000. In another district of Burgas, Meden Rudnik, property can be found from €380 per square metre.

The area around the “Holy Mother of God” is also of interest to anglers. On a small lake, for a modest fee, carp weighing 40 kg are caught. The secret of the fishing lies in the fact that for many years the nuns fed and caught the fish. Now the lake has become a place for sport fishing.

Property near monasteries in Bulgaria is as diverse as the country itself.

A flat or house can be bought in large cities or small villages. Besides the chance to feel the peace and spiritual beauty of these places, here you can also enjoy skiing, travel and fishing. 

The staff of Bulgaria Avenue know everything about property in Bulgaria and are ready to provide you with a consultation on where it is best to buy a home that fully meets your wishes.