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The frescos of the rock monastery “Saint Archangel Michael” are universal fortune. They are the reason for the monastery including in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. |
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Cultural and Historical Heritage - Rock Monastery of Saint Archangel Michael
Cultural and historical appearance of the area along Lom Rivers would be impersonal without rock monasteries.Only ruins are left of a once glorious complex, but the remains dappling the cliffs along the river valley recall that this was once a renowned center of deep spirituality, high literature and impressive artistry. Writer-historians from all over the country assembled here, attracting the patronage of Bulgarian tsars.
Along the sheer cliffs of Pismata (The Scriptures), not far from the village of Ivanovo , a number of premises were cut into the rock. They form a series of closely situated holy-sites which during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12-th – 14-th century) were part of the large rock monastery complex, “Saint Archangel Michael.” It was founded at the beginning of the 13 th century by the future patriarch Yoakim I, and during the next two centuries the notable contributions of Bulgarian tsars brought recognition to spiritual tradition and helped develop Bulgarian medieval culture. The complex continued to function through the first centuries of Ottoman domination, but it slowly declined and was abandoned.
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Interior Frescos Form the Church "Holy Virgin Mary" |
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Photo: Alexander Ivanov
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Today, the monastery complex is known for its well-preserved frescos. The chapels “Saint Archangel Michael” and “God’s Gap” were painted at the first half of the 13-th century. They show the direction of Bulgarian art during period and are distinguished by delicate colour scales, elegance and classical beauty. The frescoes in the churches “Saint Theodor” and “Holy Virgin Mother” are from the middle of the 14-th century and best represent the superior quality of the Balkan “Paleologic” style of the period. Their subject matter reflects the influence of Hesychasm, which at that time was practiced and taught at the churches of the monastery.
The point at which development of the masterful Bulgarian art style reached its peak is marked by the frescos in the “Holy Virgin Mother” church. A characteristic style of expression, depth of detail, knowledge of ancient traditions, colour harmony and realism are inimitably combined with strong devotion to the Orthodox Church and the individual talent of the artist. The impact of the refined and inspired human figures, their facial expressions and gestures, the architectural and natural backgrounds, the multi-layered composition and the modified use of perspective is indelible.
