It was a major center for the Etropole Literary School, which produced numerous religious manuscripts during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The monastery is named after the nearby Varovitets waterfall, which is fed by the Malak Iskar River.
The interior woodcarvings in the cathedral were crafted by master carvers from the renowned Teteven woodcarving guild.
During the Ottoman period, the monastery served as a secret refuge for Bulgarian revolutionaries and freedom fighters.
The site features a stone fountain dating back to the 17th century which still provides natural mountain spring water.
The monastery was reconstructed in its current form in the mid-19th century following a period of decline.
The Etropole Monastery of the Holy Trinity, also known as Varovitets, is located 5 kilometers east of the town of Etropole. Founded in the 12th century, it reached its cultural peak as a significant literary and calligraphic center during the 16th and 17th centuries. The main church, built in 1858, features distinctive wood carvings and iconostases created by masters of the Teteven woodcarving school. Its architecture represents the National Revival period, utilizing stone masonry and heavy timber construction. The monastery complex is situated at the foot of the Stara Planina mountains near the Varovitets waterfall. It houses an extensive collection of historical manuscripts and liturgical books produced by the Etropole Literary School. The site includes a central cathedral, residential buildings for monks, and a stone fountain.
The stone bridge leading to the monastery entrance with the forest backdrop.
Combine your visit with a short hike to the base of the nearby Varovitets waterfall.
Check the small on-site museum area for displays of historical monastic documents.
Dress in layers, as the mountain location causes temperatures to drop rapidly in the evenings.
Do not attempt to hike the surrounding mountain trails without proper footwear, as terrain can be steep and slippery near the waterfall.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; avoid speaking loudly inside the church; photography is generally prohibited inside the sanctuary.
