st teodor tiron and teodor stratilat church

While in Bansko, don't hesitate to visit this church just some 20 km away from our famous ski-resort. It's located in the village Dobarsko in the bosom of Rila mountain. Officially, the church is known to have been built in 1614, although some recent researchers claim it was built in 1211. It's dedicated to two saints - St. Theodor Tyron and St. Theodor Stratelates. Entrance is just a few leva - as far as I remember, it was 5 BGN for adults (guided tour included) and many different pricing options for families, small children, groups, etc. The tour is approx. 30 minutes for each group. As the church is really small, only one group at a time is allowed to enter, so whenever the tour starts, the entrance is locked so that the guide is not interrupted in between the tour. This also allows you to freely leave any heavy luggage or rucksacks you're wearing with you in the church nartex. The guide will tell you most of the interesting things, but look especially for the frescos with Jesus in a "rocket" and Jesus in a "capsule". They're painted as if the author wanted to depict Jesus Christ in a rocket and a capsule. Well, I'm sure whoever painted them 4 centuries ago had nothing more in mind than just the ordinary scenes of Transfiguration (the one with the :rocket") and Resurrection (the one with the capsule). But at least is interesting to see these scenes live. :) Oh, and yes - there are options for reservation, here's the information about reservations and working time (scroll down for the Dobarsko church)http://www.historymuseum.org/branches.php?lang_id=1Just to add - the guide of our group was Nikola Naydenov, who also happens to be the mayor of Dobarsko and a historian by profession.

If you are around this area, don't miss this small church. The walls are completely covered with ancient and well-preserved frescos. Although not very visited, it nearly can stand alongside the more popular churches in Arbanassi. But don't count with having much to eat in the village: we coudn't find any restaurant in the center of the village (and we ended soaked as it was pouring the afternoon we were there).