History of Camping Kapinovski Monastery – Experience Our Past

About Us

Camping “Kapinovski Monastery” is not just a place for rest, but an oasis of tranquility and comfort nestled in the embrace of nature. Our camping site offers a variety of amenities that will make your stay comfortable and unforgettable. From modern sanitary facilities and a tourist kitchen to a laundry room and refrigeration units, we take care of everything you need.

The children’s playground and sports fields provide opportunities for active recreation for both young and old guests. Every activity is carefully planned and created to make your stay with us exciting and fulfilling. Whether you prefer to relax by the pool, take a walk in the forest, or try traditional Bulgarian cuisine at our restaurant, you will find something to make your vacation special.

The team at Camping “Kapinovski Monastery” is dedicated to your comfort and satisfaction. With attention to every detail and a desire to offer you the best, we are here to make your experience unforgettable. Our hospitality is at the core of everything we do, and we strive to make you feel at home.

Join us and discover the magic of Kapinovski Monastery – a place where history, nature, and modern comfort meet to offer you the perfect camping experience.

Kapinovski Monastery Area – History

Kapinovski Monastery Area

From “kapina” (blackberry) or “kapiya” (gate)? For centuries, the area where our campsite is located has intrigued visitors with its name. Some researchers believe it is related to the Turkish word “kapiya,” meaning large gates. Ruins of a massive structure can still be seen along the Roman road to Elena, where the old village lands were located. Others suggest the name is connected to the blackberry bush’s fruit, but the speculation continues.

Kapinovo is one of the oldest settlements in the Veliko Tarnovo region, with a history of over 820 years, dating back to the Second Bulgarian Empire. Around 80 years after the village’s founding, the Kapinovski Monastery was built in its lands. Over the years, the holy monastery has had a beneficial influence on turning the settlement into an economic and spiritual center.

Over time, the Kapinovski area has attracted more visitors with its clean air, fresh forest, the coolness of the Veselina River, and beautiful nature. Today, you can sunbathe on the rocks by the river or stroll along the small forest paths in the area, where our campsite is located. The nature here combines unique views, picturesque landscapes, and tranquility, creating the ideal atmosphere for relaxation and rest.

Kapinovski Monastery

Next to Camping “Kapinovski Monastery” is the eponymous monastery “St. Nicholas the Wonderworker,” one of the oldest preserved monasteries in Bulgaria. The monastery is situated on the left bank of the Veselina River, in a winding area covered with lush greenery. Just about 200 meters from it is a beautiful waterfall with crystal clear water flowing over white rocks.

The history of the Kapinovski Monastery, as well as the nearby Plakovski Monastery, is intertwined with the prosperity and fate of the capital, Veliko Tarnovo, during the Middle Ages. According to legends and some scarce documentary evidence, the Kapinovski Monastery dates back to the Second Bulgarian Empire. Over the years, the monastery has been looted and burned several times but has always been restored thanks to the perseverance of the local Christian population.

In the 19th century, the monastery became an active educational center. A well-equipped cell school operated here, and many monastery clergy’s names are associated with national struggles. One of them is Sophronius of Vratsa, who briefly served as the abbot of the monastery. The monastery often provided shelter to participants in the national liberation struggles, including Vasil Levski, whose cell has been preserved to this day.

Today, the Kapinovski Monastery is a nunnery and is well-maintained. The beautiful surroundings, suitable for camping, and the wealth of historical and artistic monuments attract more and more visitors. The monastery is not only a spiritual center but also a place for cultural enrichment and historical reflection.