Church of the Holy Virgin in Pazardzhik - it is the oldest temple in the city, as well as one of its symbols. In 1964, it was officially named artistic and architectural-construction monument of culture of national significance.

The building was erected on the same spot five times and each time, as required by the Ottoman authorities do not allow the Bulgarians to build a high-church, it is buried in the ground and had to be hidden behind high walls. The last building was built in 1836-1837 years. Unlike earlier churches, it was not made of wood, and of stone and brick, and in the style of the Renaissance. Total area - 1140 square meters. m. In the inner part there are two chapels - St. Archangel and St. Nicholas.

The history of the construction of the temple is mentioned in ancient chronicles and legends. According to legend, a local police officer allowed the Bulgarians to build a church, but with the condition that the construction will allocate as much land as a cover cowhide. Chief Master agreed to the conditions imposed, but resorted to a ruse: he sliced ​​the skin of an ox into thin strips and use them to a considerable piece of land fenced. Seeing this, the Turkish manager admired the ingenuity of Christians and did not create any more obstacles to construction.

Very soon, the temple of the Holy Mother of God became the center of educational activity, which corresponded liturgical books. After the Liberation in 1878 the wall around the church was demolished. Belfry was built, and the temple restored and painted inside and out.

The visitors will be interested in the church iconostasis. It is made of walnut wood craftsmen schools of the city Debra (now part of the Republic of Macedonia). It is an impressive structure 20 x 40 meters and a total area of ​​120 square meters. meters. On the iconostasis are scenes from the Scriptures, as well as figures of magical animals - dragons, griffins and others. Beautifully made the figure of Christ, the angels, the saints. The real wealth of the temple - a collection of 221 icons of 18-20 centuries.

Church of the Holy Virgin is included in the list of the hundred national tourist sites in Bulgaria.