German monastery "St. Ivan Rilski " - Hristory

German monastery "St. Ivan Rilski " is a Bulgarian Orthodox monastery . It is located 5 km east of the village of German, Sofia and is one of the monasteries in Sofia Mala Sveta Gora . The monastery is of great importance for Bulgarian monks and the Mount Athos . In the past there were preparing for the monks at the monastery located on Mount Athos . Nowadays often stay in the monastery monks from Mount Athos .
The history of the German monastery is long, but very interesting . It was founded in the 10th century, there is information that it lived St. John of Rila monastery therefore bears his name. Its existence does not last long and in the 14th century was destroyed by the Ottomans was not long back was built and became one of the most important centers of the Bulgarian spirit in 15-17 century. In XVIII- century Kurdzhalii plundered and burned . His story does not end there . In the 19th century, locals joint efforts erect nave small building on the ruins of the old monastery . Only in 1885 . it was rebuilt completely , taking the place of a church was built new . During a journey King Ferdinand and Queen Maria Luisa visited the monastery and in his yard planted two redwoods , which still rises majestically from the north side of the monastery. In 1936 . monastery was visited by King Boris III, who came as a guest and also planted a tree .
German monastery is outstanding not only in terms of story there , but the architecture and icons , thanks to which determine the ability of the then masters and their un deniable talent.