Bulgaria: Ivanovo – Rock-Hewn Churches
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo will make you think you are in Cappadocia in Turkey. Several churches and monasteries are cut out of solid rock in the Russenski Lom limestone gorge, over 30m above the river. The cave churches date back mostly to 12-14th centuries and there are about 40 of them, while only about 5 are in ok condition and fewer have original preserved frescoes. But the frescoes are totally incredible, all original, preserved by the dry climate and air of the caves – covering ceilings and walls. You almost need to lie down on the floor to fully admire all this!
