Rozhen Monastery

Rozhen Monastery lies in the hills about 7 km north of Melnik in south-western Bulgaria. The Nativity of the Virgin Church is dated to 1600; according to Lonely Planet it contains stained-glass windows, 200-year-old murals, woodcarvings and iconostases. The same source says the monastery was first built in 1217, largely reconstructed after a fire in the late 16th century, and mostly built between 1732 and the late 18th century. Believers say the icon kept here was painted by St Luke.

From Melnik a signposted 7 km footpath leads to the monastery; it has no shade, so avoid midday and bring a hat and water. Lonely Planet says buses from Sandanski to Melnik continue to Rozhen. Dress modestly; Lonely Planet also asks visitors not to take photographs.