The St. Athanasius monastery in Zlatna Livada village is a historical site that dates back to the 4th century. It is believed to be the oldest monastery in Europe. It was founded by St. Athanasius of Alexandria. The monastery houses a valuable Egyptian icon of the patron saint and the world’s only copy of the Rheims Gospel, on which the French kings took an oath until the 19th century.

How to Get There

Visitors can reach the St. Athanasius monastery by car or public transportation. The village of Zlatna Livada is located in central Bulgaria, approximately 100 kilometers from Sofia. From Sofia, visitors can take a bus or train to nearby towns and then hire a taxi to reach the monastery.

List of Attractions

Ticket Information

Admission to the St. Athanasius monastery is free for all visitors. However, donations are encouraged to help with the maintenance and preservation of the site.

List of Tips for Visiting