Etropolski monastery “Sv. Troitca” (“St. Trinity”)

The historians say that “St.Trinity” monastery is the biggest literacy cenre between XVI and XVII century. Probably the cloiser existed at the time of the Second Bulgatian country.Its church is very interesting with its five arches. It is with a nave and two aisles. An interesting written record is the life of Saint Ivan Rilski , telling about the transportation of his relics from Turnovgrad to Rilski monastery in 1469.There are two old silver crosses with inscriptions on them, which belong to the treasure of the monastery.The silver casket, called ark, is also very interesting.It is used to preserve the relics of saints. The Etropolski monastery is 5 km. east from the very town of Etro pole.The town sprang up during the Middle Ages at the place of an older settlement.It was a mining and craft cenre. During the XVII century here coins were stampped.The Etropole literacy school played a great role for this.There are many preserved original old books, twisting narrow streets, a clock tower and the Jewish tower from the XIV century.