Episode BG35. The Eye of Osmar and Kostadin Monastery
Hello, Bulgaria! 🇧🇬
The Eye of Osmar and Kostadin Rock Monastery are located near the village of Osmar in Shumen and impress with their scale, symbolism and hard-to-reach beauty. Carved high into the limestone cliffs, these sanctuaries preserve traces of spiritual life since the 13th-14th centuries and offer a rare combination of natural harmony and mystical feeling. Known for their association with ischism, they attract not only pilgrims but also explorers of ancient energy sites. The climb is challenging, but the view and silence are worth it.
You can navigate directly to a desired moment in the video by clicking on the timer👆
0:00 – Trailer
0:28 – Beginning
1:41 – Where is it?
2:49 – In the village of Osmar and the eco-trail
4:44 – Climbing to the rock monastery
6:29 – Under the monastery steps
7:05 – Kostadin Monastery (Osmar)
9:08 – To the Eye of Osmar
10:54 – Final Thoughts
💡 Other interesting places nearby:
BG31. Monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State”
BG32. The Madara Horseman – Europe’s Only Cliff Relief
BG34. Khan Krum Rock Monastery and the Hesychasm Teaching
BG37. NRPI “Shumen Fortress” – Discover the Secrets of the Middle Ages!
BG38. Veliki Preslav – Bulgaria’s Second Capital
👉 References to other episodes:
None
📌 What will we look at in this article?
📝 Episode Summary
🔥 The most interesting moments
⭐ Location assessment
✅ Final conclusion
📝 Brief summary of the episode
Kostadin Monastery is one of the largest rock complexes on the Shumen Plateau. It is situated about 10 meters high and includes several rooms – a chapel with an apse, carved niches, grooves for an iconostasis and even a supposed tomb. The Eye of Osmar is located nearby and is a rock hole cut by erosion, often perceived as an energy portal. According to some beliefs, the site emits a strong spiritual field that attracts pilgrims and seekers of inner peace.
🔥 What will you see in this episode?
In this episode we go through a beautiful forest route that takes us to the foot of the cliffs. The monastery is accessible via makeshift stairs and ropes, and the climb is steep but possible. Inside reveals the authentic architecture of a medieval rock temple, with an apse-shaped cloister and rock niches enveloped by silence. A little further up, the “Eye” awaits us, an oval opening in the rock that lets the sky into an almost sacred frame. The whole experience brings a sense of detachment from the world.
The episode traces the route to Kostadin Monastery, starting at the village of Osmar. The path is steep, but passes through a shady forest and offers the opportunity to rest. The shelter at the foot is basic, with an ecotoilet available. The ascent to the monastery is by means of improvised facilities, and the place is partially secured. The interior of the monastery – the apse, the rock cuttings and the remains of niches – are visible. Higher up is the Eye of Osmar, a natural opening in the rock through which the sky can be seen. Mention is made of the spiritual impact of the place, the sense of silence, detachment and symbolism. The episode concludes with an emotional focus on personal experience of encountering this type of location.
⭐ Location assessment
The assessment is entirely based on my personal impression and is made according to several main criteria considered separately. I use a 5-point scale where (1/5 – Very bad, 2/5 – Bad, 3/5 – Average, 4/5 – Good, 5/5 – Excellent)
| Criterion | Personal impression | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility 🚗 |
Park in the village of Osmar and follow a long hike of about 1.5 hours involving steep and uneven sections. Suitable for well prepared visitors only. | ★★★☆☆ |
| History 📜 |
The monastery is a medieval monastery, associated with the monasticism and spiritual life of the 13th-14th centuries. One of the most significant rock complexes in the region, enveloped by mysticism and legends. | ★★★★★ |
| Condition 🛠️ |
The monastery is partially secured, but there are traces of burning and erosion and ruin. The “eye” is cracked and may be risky. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Conveniences 🚻 |
There is a gazebo and an ecotoilet at the bottom, but few signs along the route. | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Price 💰 |
The venue is free to enter, with no fees or ticketing. Suitable for individual visits without restrictions. | ★★★★★ |
★★★☆☆
✅ Conclusion
The Eye of Osmar and Kostadin Monastery are not tourist sites with signposts and paved paths. These are places to be discovered with heart and climbed with desire. Their isolation combined with historical depth and natural rawness makes for an authentic experience. The amenities are limited, but the feeling of connection to something greater is the real reward. And when the sun passes through the opening of the rock eye, even for a moment, one feels that it all makes sense.
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