The name of Aladzha monastery comes from the Turkish word for colourful ("aladzha") due most probably to the bright colours of its wall paintings, dating back to the early Middle Ages. The monk's cells, common rooms and sanctuaries, dug directly into the limestone rock and situated on two levels high above the ground, were connected via an external staircase. The lower floor hosted the monks' private cells, common rooms (i.e. kitchen, dining room) and a small church, while the upper level was dedicated entirely to a chapel. According to some historians, primitive monks' cells were built and inhabited already in the 4th century AC. The entire monastery is considered to date back to the 12th century AC. Unfortunately, nowadays only few of the frescoes are preserved (most of these to be found in the chapel) but the experience of visiting a monastery dug high above the ground into a steep rock is unforgettable.

The monastery is declared a cultural sight and houses a small museum. Less than a kilometer away from the Aladzha Monastery, one can find a similar monastery complex, called Katakombite (The Catacombs). Katakombite has an origin and history similar to those of the Aladzha Monastery, though its remains are far less preserved.      The monastery rooms were cut out on two levels in the almost 40-meter high limestone rock.

8.00 Departure from Sunny beach
10.30 Arrival in Varna
11.00 Visit to the Dolphinarium and observation of a splendid dolphin show
12.30 Lunch
14.00 Visit to the Aladzha Monastery –a monastery in a cave dating from 14 – 15th century
15.30 Free time in Varna
16.30 Departure from Varna
18.00 Arrival in Sunny beach

price: 21.50 GBP adult, 15 GBP child
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