„Assumption“ Church, Berkovitsa

This is the oldest church in northwestern Bulgaria, built in 1218. The foundations of the church were dug into the ground 80 cm. In order to enter the church you need to descend the few steps. In 1813 during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, the richest and most influential people in Berkovitza had sent a letter to the Sultan, by means of which they requested to be allowed to completely renovate the church. Sultan has authorized the repair but only on condition that it will keep its original shape. The iconostasis of the church is carved by masters from Teteven or Tryavna. Typical for the church is that its exterior architecture completely resembles a residential building, and thus the church building is completely hidden among the other houses in the neighborhood. This is the only example of church architecture of the Renaissance.