Chapel Assumption of Virgin Mary

The chapel "Assumption of Virgin Mary" is located in the are "Gorna Tsarkva" ("Upper church") in village of Kostenets, about 2 km. by Kostenski waterfall. It was built on the ruins of an existing old Christian basilica from V century, whose outlines are revealed and can be seen today.

There is a local legend for the church: during the Ottoman invasion here have strengthened the Bulgarians, who withheld the Turkish attacks over several days. The Turks decided they can conquer the fort only if they can stop their access to fresh water. Using a donkey, held a few days thirsty, they discovered the source, stopped access to water and after sized the church they massacred all.

In 1997 at the same place was built a new chapel (consecrated personally by His Holiness the Bulgarian Patriarch Maxim) with ossuary of perished here Bulgarians.