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Holy Paintings in the Caves, the Rock-Hune Churches of Ivanovo.

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A plateau stretches across north-eastern Bulgaria.

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Craggy gorges cut into the plateau.

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These cliffs were caused by long-term erosion from the Ruzemsky Lom River,

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a tributary of the river Damnube.

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The cliff can reach 50 metres in height.

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This is where I found the Rock-Hune Churches of Ivanovo.

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Christian monks started to dig out natural caves and make churches inside in the 13th century.

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At one point there were over 300 churches.

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The place became the most important holy site in Bulgaria.

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Centuries ago, people had to climb the cliff with ropes.

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This is the Holy Virgin Church. It is the best-preserved church here.

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A monk called Joachim hewed out the first cave church.

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Later he became an archbishop of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

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Many followers visited the churches and helped spread their fame.

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Leading painters of the time were invited to paint church wall frescoes and ceilings.

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Masterpieces by painters of the Tarnovo School of Painting are still found here.

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This ceiling fresco depicts the last week of Jesus Christ's life as told in the Bible.

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This painting depicts the Last Supper.

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This is when Judas betrays Jesus.

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When Jesus was condemned, Judas, in deep remorse, went to the elders to return the silver he had received.

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However, they refused the money.

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Judas then hanged himself.

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This depicts when Jesus was led to Golgotha.

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And this is when Jesus' body was taken down from the cross.

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Later, Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended to heaven.

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Many devoted monks have prayed here.

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However, after the Ottoman invasion of Bulgaria,

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However, after the Ottoman invasion at the end of the 14th century,

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the rock-hewn churches were abandoned.

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These holy cave paintings have weathered in the absence of their masters.