Bulgaria has relatively few churches. All the temples worth visiting are located in the capital, Sofia (Bachkovo, Rila Monastery, and others).
However, there is one temple in Pomorie that is worth a visit. It is called the Monastery of Saint George. Nestled in a picturesque location, it is highly attractive to tourists.
Peace of mind when visiting a temple
It is best to visit the monastery alone, rather than with a tour group. As soon as you enter its grounds, a sense of calm immediately envelops you. Leaves rustle gently, chickens cluck (the monastery has its own farm), and a cat naps near the vegetable garden.
The grounds feature a garden with fruit trees and flower beds adorned with various decorative elements. There is also a cozy gazebo where weary visitors can rest in silence and enjoy some quiet time for reflection.
Men and women who have chosen to withdraw from worldly life live and work here. On the premises, you will find a church school, a dining hall, and even a guesthouse for worshippers.
Where to go on the grounds of the monastery
The temple is built around the ruins of a 19th-century church, with foundations dating back to ancient Roman times. Definitely worth seeing on the grounds of the monastery:
The Spring of St. George. It is said that its water is healing and cures many diseases;
The miraculous icon of St. George the Victorious is worth praying at;
A bas-relief at the entrance, the composition of which is related to the legend of the monastery.
Museum of the monastery
On the territory of the temple is a small museum, where various church clothes, utensils, printed and handwritten books, household items are exhibited. And also part of the foundation of the Byzantine era, on which the monastery stands.
Entry to the museum is free, though you can leave a donation.
Monastery shop
In the small souvenir shop you can buy honey, wine, rakija, which are made by the monks. In summer they sell fruits and vegetables.
The legend of the monastery
When the Turks ruled these lands, all of Pomorie was at the disposal of the noble Selim Bey. He was seriously ill, it is said that the nobleman was overcome by blindness. Only in his dreams he could again see the world as he had seen it in his childhood. One night he dreamed that there was a spring of healing water on his land.
The dream continued until the man found the location of the spring. Under a layer of earth he found a bas-relief with the face of St. George. When the slab was moved, healing water gushed from beneath the ground. Selim Bey drank it and received his sight. Healed, he ordered to build a monastery on that place. After the death of his wife, he became the abbot and guardian of the monastery.
Excursions to the monastery
On the territory of the monastery of St. George in Pomorie you can often see excursion groups. It is best to buy an excursion from the locals. The price will be the same as tour operators, but the quality is noticeably higher. Such an excursion involves building a route according to your wishes, and you will be traveling by car, not by bus.
How to get to St. George Monastery in Pomorie
The temple is located on the territory of the Bulgarian resort of Pomorie. It is not yet ridden by tourists, the town is quiet and beautiful. Orientation of the way to the monastery will serve as a summer theater and park, located near the temple. Also, you can ask the locals, they will gladly tell you the way.
There are several ways to get to St. George Monastery in Pomorie: by foot (if you live in Pomorie, it is best to walk to the temple) and by public transportation.
Public transportation
If you live in Nesebra or Sunny Beach — take the bus to Pomorie or Bourgas.
If you are staying in Sozopol or Bourgas — you need a bus heading towards Nessebar or Sunny Beach.
The cost of a ticket is 3-3.5 BGN. It is much cheaper than a cab for 20 BGN.
