Krastova Gora
Krastova gora (Forest of The Cross) is one of the biggest and most famous Christian centers in Bulgaria. The place attracts many worshipers and tourists throughout the entire year, but the biggest crowds come for some of the Orthodox holidays. This area is located 40 km away from Asenovgrad and only 6 km away from Borovo village. Its altitude is 1545 metres, which means that it provides coolness even in the hot summer days.
According to ancient legends, this place holds a piece of the Cross, on which Christ has been crucified. The legends tells about the healing powers of this place, and this is one of the reasons why so many worshippers from all over Bulgaria come to visit Krastova gora.
In 1995 the “Intercession of the Theotokos” church is finished. It is located in the beginning of the complex of chapels. From there via an alleyway to the nearby hill you can reach the place, where the chapels of the 12 apostles are.
On the highest place, which this alleyway reaches, you can see a big cross. What is interesting about it is the fact that it is a copy of a 99 kg metal cross, which king Boris the Third gives as a donation in 1936. In proximity to the chapels there is also a well. Many people believe that the cross and the well also have healing powers.
Although there are several times, when the Krastova gora complex is visited during the year, it is most crowded on the night of 13 to 14 September (Day of the Cross in Orthodox Calendar), when the worshipers gather to pray for health. They stay vigil throughout the night in front of the “Intercession of the Theotokos” church. However, some prefer to pray in some of the nearby chapels.
This place is exceptionally beautiful with its tranquil and vast nature. Many people visit it to rest during the weekend, while others – to see the wonderful nature.