chiesa della nativita

clarei775

This church is beautiful! The outside of the building gives no clue to the treat waiting within. I understand that the reason for the church being so unchurchlike externally is due to the orthodox population being controlled by the Ottoman Empire. The inside of the church is covered entirely by frescoes. Please be aware that no photography is allowed inside the building but postcards can be bought from a small nearby shop. This church is definitely worth a visit!

197stevee

This church is one of the most beautiful I've had the pleasure of seeing. The intricately painted, interior is a beautiful contrast to the humble exterior. It was an "underground" church that built when Christianity was having huge difficulties in Bulgaria. A vivid reminder that not everything is easy. If you're anywhere near this town, you MUST visit this Church of the Nativity. Safe travels!

ArnoldS774

Magnificent frescoes and painting. Not like anything else that I have ever seen. Every inch of the church inside is covered with frescoes and all the wooden parts (beams, doors, etc.) are painted - all very intricately. Does not look anything like a church from the outside the but interior is magnificent. Unfortunately there is no photography allowed inside (at all - not just flash) and there wasn't any "gift shop" so you cannot come away with any pictures. There are photos on the web so you can see it. It is a bit remote - it was part of a day trip from Bucharest that included Ivanovo and Tarnovo.

bukbuk51

Frescoes, history, architecture, perfect scale and excellent acoustics for visiting choral groups. There are 2 superb churches to explore in this lovely village. It is well worth the trip

indirakah

This church is so amazing, and is interesting to note how well it has been restored to its original beautiful. A point of interest was the calendar or the cosmos, with the basic elements go the Earth, the months, seasons and the position of the sun, with two astronomers.

kleic

Most people traveling through this part of Europe eventually grow weary of churches (particularly with a teenager in tow!) but this is not just another church. Because the Ottoman occupiers forbade building churches higher than houses and nobody wanted to draw attention to themselves, the construction of this 500-year-old church is most unusual. It really does look like not much outside but you walk in and ... wow! The frescoes need to be seen to be believed. Really something special.

ToddGoode

We were pleasantly surprised by this Orthodox church. You have to step down into the church which is partially underground. We listened to a 4-man choir sing some traditional hymns so we could hear the acoustics. Excellent stop.

johncgore

If you get an opportunity to visit this church-- probably as part of a Danube cruise bus excursion to the charming village of Arbanasi in Bulgaria-- do not miss it. The Turkish occupiers forbid Bulgarians from building churches any higher than a house, so what Bulgarians were not able to do on the outside they more than compensated for inside. This little wonder is filled floor to ceiling with 16th century frescoes, lovingly cleaned and restored. And what a story they tell! A helpful guide is there to explain all. Traveling to Arbanasi is well worth it, and a visit to this lovely church is the crowning pleasure.

GeniAus

When we approached this building I was unimpressed and wondered if it was just another church visit to pad out our day tour.Our tour group entered through a tiny door and was handed over to a local guide who took us into the body of this church where my jaw dropped. The walls and ceilings of the church's interior are covered with hundreds of murals and frescoes painted in the 16th and 17th centuries. The guide gave, in excellent English, a history of the building and then pointed out and described several of the artworks.After the explanations in this room we moved into another area and heard more of the history and stories behind the artworks. As we weren't able to take photos inside the building I bought a little guidebook that has colour photos of the interiors, as I peruse it I am reliving the experience and realising that I liked this place more than the Sistine Chapel.This site is a hidden gem, it is a Bulgarian treasure worthy of inclusion on any itinerary to Eastern Europe. The visit here was one of the highlights of this ten week journey. Donn't miss it.

855BruceH

The Church of Nativity of Christ in Arbanasi, would have to be the best church we have ever visited. It has been is continues to be restored but the overwhelming feeling of the 16th century hits you in the face upon entering. The frescos are particularly fascinating with every book of the bible covered. I particularly loved the wheel of life and while we were not allowed to take photographs I was able to purchase a booklet in the gift shop in the town. The guide was very knowledgeable and added to our experience. It is an absolute must to see and experience.

gmw0713

This is also known as the Nativity Church. It was an excursion offered on the Viking River cruise. A bit off the beaten path but well worth it. One doesn't have to be religious to appreciate the craftsmanship that was involved in creating all these murals. They are restored beautifully in full color. The local guides do a tremendous job of explaining the symbolism in many paintings. This was my first introduction to the Eastern Orthodox church, it was a fantastic lesson on the differences and similarities to other religions. The town itself is situated on the mountain and it was a scenic drive getting there and navigating the streets. Well worth the trip!

momdaughter2008

This is an incredible little church in Arbanasi. The frescoes date back to the 16th century and have been meticulously restored. The colors are very vibrant. Having a guide to explain the various images is helpful. Do not forget to pay attention to the Wheel of Life painting. FYI: Photography is allowed without flash, and there is enough lighting inside to take beautiful pictures.

SusanV711

The stone and wood exterior of this church is very humble, but once inside you will be awe struck! This church is a UNESCO designated structure full of 17th c murals like you have never seen before! Unfortunately, you cannot take photos inside the church but you can purchase postcards nearby. We had the pleasure of hearing a small choir (made up of 3 women and a gentlemen) that was outstanding. The fee to enter the church is nominal and money well spent.

Nchambaud

this church is an amazing building with more than 2000 frescos all over walls and ceilings. Located in a tiny village away from Veliko Tornovo, it is an impressive testimony of the orthodox religious art from past centuries (400 years ago). Paintings are well conserved, in all 5 rooms. You have to pay a small fee to enter the church (3 euros).

997KevinD

The structure, by law, is as tall as a man on his horse. Simple finishings outside but amazing on the inside. Walls, beams, celling are covered in art work. The structure was built about 1600 and has stood up well to the passage of time. Efforts to brace/support the building and to restore some of the 2000 frescos have occurred in recent years. Pictures are not permitted insde so google for pictures. There is an licenced artist outside who will sell you hand painted copies of frescos for about €100. Worth the trip! A guide is needed to point out features.