The church of Sveta Marina would be easy enough to walk by without a second glance. In fact, we almost did, but we decided to visit. It was a very good decision. This was, by far, the most impressive church I visited in Bulgaria.

More photos in my Church of Sveta Marina Flickr Set.

Bulgaria has a variety of beautiful churches. I’ve already blogged the Church of Saint Nedelya and the Church of Sveta Marina is coming. These are pictures of the outside of the church only. The inside is equally as beautiful, however each time we went by there was an event (either prayer, or a baptism) going on, so I took none inside.

More photos within my Plovdiv, Bulgaria Flickr Set.

The Church of Saint Nedelya is located on the edge of old town. It’s a pretty church, but has been badly damaged by a fire. It was one of the few churches where I was able to take pictures inside.

A few more photos of the church are included in my Plovdiv, Bulgaria Flickr Set.

On Saturday we took a trip to the Visoki Dečani Monastery in western Kosovo just south of Peja (Peč). The Monastery is part of the Serbian Orthodox Church and was built between 1327 and 1335. The monks are very friendly (though make sure you show up show up during visiting hours or you won’t be let in). The Monastery’s church, like most Orthodox churches, is covered with frescos inside. It’s worth the visit.

The monks use cats to control the pest population. One of the latest additions was very friendly. When I went to pet it, I ended up holding it…

The Monastery also sell Rockia (a homemade moonshine Whiskey), Cheese, and Red Wine. The cheese is delicious, but I have no tried the wine or Rockia. More pictures inside the Monastery:

As usual, more pictures are in the The Visoki Dečani Monastery Flickr Set.