The Uzundzhovo Church

Near it are the Alexandrovska tomb and Museum Center "Thracian Art Of Eastern Rhodopes" (about 8 km away).

The Assumption is the largest rural church in Bulgaria. It combines in an amazing way various elements of Christianity and Islam. Built initially as a Christian temple, in 1593 it was destroyed by the Ottoman Empire. A mosque was erected in its place – it was a part of a large estate of caravan seraglio, which according to the chronicles-writers resembled a fortress, whose central entrance is preserved until the present days. In the early 20th century the Turkish government returned the property back to Bulgaria and the reconstruction of the mosque into a church began at that time.

In 2007 the church was thoroughly reconstructed by the Haskovo Municipality. During the restoration works two medieval inscriptions in Arabic on religious-philosophical topics were discovered, but these latter inscriptions have not yet been accurately dated. All the icons and frescoes were restored. The Tryavna painter Master Darin Bozhkov carved a new iconostasis, which by its size ranks among the three biggest and most impressive ones in the country. The windows were decorated with fascinating stained glass works, depicting scenes from the life of the Mother of God.

In the last century the Assumption church in the village of Uzundzhovo was proclaimed to be a cultural heritage monument.

 

Availability for visits: Yes, Paid, all year round, available guide, with access for people with disabilities

Transport accessibility: Road, Public Transport

Tourist infrastructure: The closest hotels and restaurants are in Haskovo city - 10 km away.

The Aleksandrovo Tomb The Thracian Beehive Tomb, the village of Mezek