In the Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria, local and tourist pilgrims flock to the Aladzha Monastery. What makes this place of worship so special is that it is curved on a limestone which is almost 40 meters high amid a backdrop of rustic woodlands 14 kilometers from Varna.

Carbon dating reveals that the medieval rock monastery prospered between 13th and 14th Century during the Second Bulgarian State.  When the Ottoman reigned over Bulgaria towards the end of the 14th century, the Aladzha deteriorated and was abandoned around 18th century.

There is evidence though that the early Christians continued to use the place of worship even under the Ottoman rule. A signet ring made of silver that was found in the Crypt.

The Aladzha have two levels distinguished according to their functions. The first level contained the church, the dining room, cells, tomb, and a small interment chapel. This level was connected to the second via a wooden staircase. The second level is a natural alcove housing a chapel at the east side of the rock formation.

Aladzha literally means “sundry-colored”, words used to describe the monastery during the Ottoman rule. The real name of the monastery remains to be a mystery.