 "St.Petka" churches
In Bulgarian: Църкви "Света Петка"
Category: Church
Location: Balsha
The church "St. Petka" is located in the center of the village of Balsha (Stolichna Municipality). It is surrounded by solid wall, and in its yard, at distance of 5-6 m each to other, are located two churches - an old (8 meters x 5 meters, one-nave, one-apse, dating from the XIV century church named "St. Petka Paraskeva Prepodobna") and the new one, built in 1920. Both churches are situated at high place, and are visible and clearly distinguishable from the surrounding terrain.
The church "Sveta Petka" was built mainly of stone but there are some bricks, probably from the neighbouring Roman fortress. Church entrance is oriented to the west and around it there are visible remains of frescoes. In the borders of the church are scattered unusual crosses. Their shape resemble Celtic crosses ("Sun-crosses") and they are covered with interesting signs.
The church altar is a stone piece with the regular proportions. Right of it is located a niche with preserved frescoes which that is shaped as a second altar. At the south wall can be seen images of saints and well preserved parts of the mural.
Near the center of the church there is other small shrine or altar, with a height of 50 cm that is covered with ornaments. Behind the arch there are two crosses, one of which is dedicated to St. German (patron of the rain). Near by them is a situated a rite cross used for sacrifices. The custom is the votive crosses to be placed near century-old tree, but here the tree is felled.
The historical remains of the old church "St. Petka Paraskeva Prepodobna" and the new church "St. Petka" are among the main attractions of the village Balsha.
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village Balsha
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