Zemensky Monastery "St. John the Theologian"

The church "St. John the Theologian" in the Zemen Monastery was built in the XNUMXth century and is one of the oldest monuments of medieval Bulgarian architecture and fine art. Additional architectural and construction restoration was carried out in the XNUMXth century. In terms of shape, the church is a cross-domed, almost cubic building, built entirely of bigor stone, with three apses, without a pre-apse space and vestibule.

The church was painted twice - in the XNUMXth and in the XNUMXth century by an unknown Bulgarian painter. From the first inscription, fragments remain in the right apse, representing images of St. Joachim and St. Anna, St. Constantine and St. Helena. The wall paintings that covered the interior space, largely preserved to this day, are from the XNUMXth century. Among them, the images of the founders stand out - the local feudal lord despot Deyan, his wife Doya, together with their children Vitomir and Stoyu. In the realization of many biblical scenes, elements of both Eastern and Byzantine, as well as Renaissance painting are found. The great holidays, the Passion of Christ, the images of the forty holy martyrs are depicted. Some of the earliest images of the Bulgarian saints Ivan Rilski and Joakim Sarandaporski are also inscribed in the lowest belt.

With its unique architecture and frescoes, the church of St. John the Theologian" is a valuable national treasure, the importance of which exceeds the borders of our country.