Medieval church in Dobravitsa

The church is located high on the edge of a deep coomb between the neighborhoods “The lower” and “Tsvetkovtsi”. Today this ancient temple is in ruins and its history is covered by complete obscurity. No information about the time of its construction, neither when it was destroyed. Even the patron of the church is not known.

During the 40s of 20 century the antiquity was visited by the eminent art critic prof. Asen Vasilev. Even then it was in ruins. „On a small hill rise the walls of an old ruined church. Its roof is demolished". The scientist didn’t indicate the name of the church, although at that time in the village may still live old people who should have personal memories and observations from the time of Ottoman rule. This means that the church was not built in 19 century but probably much earlier. Perhaps the church dated back to the 16-17 century – a period when is registered active church construction especially in Western Bulgaria. Moreover, during this period the village obtained a status of “voinutsi”^[1] and had used some privileges.

The church is small, one-nave, without narthex and dimensions 7 x 4.70 m. In the northeast corner of the altar space is situated a niche. The roof (destroyed long time ago) was probably semi-cylindrical. The construction of the walls is by stones cemented with mortar.

To the west of the building is triggered landslide that directly threatens to engulf the remains of the church.

The deplorable state of the church requires emergency actions for its protection, especially for stopping the landslide. The restoration of antiquity as well as of the nearest medieval monastery in the village of Breze and their inclusion into a hiking trail, along with the Iskretski Monastery and the numerous votive places in the region will help to be created a unique pilgrimage route, unparalleled and invaluable in its nature. The combination with the unique nature in the area guarantees the unique and unforgettable experience for the visitors.

Source: Свети места

[1]Voinutsi (or “voinugani”, “voinegani”) is a special category no Muslim population in the Ottoman Empire. These people were armed and were involved into the military forces. For this they were awarded with ancestral lands – so called “bastini”. They were also free of some taxes and they obtain the status of free citizen of the state.