Bachkovo monastery “Assumption of Holy Virgin” is the second largest in Bulgaria and a national cultural landmark. Built on a spacious terrace next to one of the banks of the Chepelare river, it is easily accessible and surrounded by scenic landscapes on all sides. The cobbled road leading up to the monastery is lined with market stalls selling trinkets, folk craft, homemade jam, honey and spices. Bachkovo Monastery was founded all the way back in the 11th century, while the area was still part of the Byzantine Empire. It has since been partially destroyed, rebuilt and restored numerous times. The monastery has its own museum showcasing crucifixes, ceremonial garbs, manuscripts, icons and donated jewelry. The cathedral in the larger courtyard is called “Assumption of the Holy Virgin”, with the smaller “St. Archangeli” church built into its side. The “St. Nicholas” church is the centerpiece of the southern courtyard. In the cathedral there is an icon from 1311 known as the Miracle Working Icon of the Holy Virgin, with a silver repousse cover. It is believed that the icon has miraculous powers.