1St. Atanasi Monastery is also known as Chirpan Monastery. It is located on a beautiful hill near the village of Zlatna Livada.

The monastery complex consists of a church, old buildings, a cave and a healing spring. The sanctuary acted as the hiding place of Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski.

Historians believe that the monastery used to exist during Roman times. It was demolished and renovated several times.

Culture Ministry ordered special examination, which showed that Chirpan Monastery is the oldest in Europe.

Many volunteers from nearby villages and from all over the country are putting their effort in the maintenance of the monastery.

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