Sokolskia Monastery
The Eagle’s Monastery is one of the pearls of Christianity in the region, situated in the southern slopes of Stara Planina. When you pass through the front gate, you will be amazed by the beauty of the archaic buildings, and above all the yard, turned into a heavenly garden. Stone paths cross the garden and lead to an eight-spout fountain, built by Kolio Ficheto in the memory of eight rebels who were captured and hung here. The temple of the monastery was built in 1834, and the frescoes are made by priest Pavel and his son Nikolay, both from the village of Shipka. Some of the icons were painted by Zahari Zograf. A symbol of the monastery is the pine tree rising in the yard, planted by the architect Joseph Sokolski, who founded the monastery in 1832 together with hieromonk Agapi. Joseph Sokoloski founded a monastery school in 1836. The monastery is closely connected to the liberation fights of the Bulgarian people; it was used for a hiding place and a hospital for the rebels.