Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The Double Christ depicted on a fresco in Bulgaria's Zemen Monastery

The Double Jesus Fresco in Bulgaria's Zemen monastery
Photo: BGNES

A fresco recreating the forging of the nails for the Crucifixion can be seen in the Zemen Monastery in central Western Bulgaria. It was painted in the 14th century and is the only one of its kind, as the scene is not found in world religious painting, the Regional Administration in Pernik reports.

The frescoes in the monastery church  of St. John the Theologian trace Jesus' journey to Golgotha. An unknown artist in Bulgaria has interpreted the biblical plot "The Last Supper" in a special way, depicting Christ twice - one handing the bread and the other pouring the wine. The "double Christ" cannot be seen anywhere else, the district administration claims. 
This different interpretation makes the temple extremely valuable for world culture.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

With "Redemption" Ivaylo Kamenov calls for humility before the inevitability of the passing earthly path

With his exhibition "Redemption" in the "Sofia Press" gallery-bookstore in Sofia, containing paintings and sculptures, Ivaylo Kamenov calls for humility before the inevitability of the passing earthly path. He addresses the message..

published on 10/9/25 10:45 AM
Bratislava

Three events related to Bulgaria will take place in the Slovak capital

A number of interesting events related to Bulgaria and Bulgarian culture will take place in Bratislava on October 11. “We hope that the information will be useful for everyone who would like to immerse themselves in Bulgarian culture and art this..

published on 10/8/25 9:00 PM

The Sofia Opera presents timeless hits: Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci

On 11 October, the Sofia Opera will present the first premiere of its new season: the hugely popular Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni and Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo. This production by Plamen Kartalov is a collaboration between three..

published on 10/8/25 1:40 PM