On both sides of Roussenski Lom river near the village of Ivanovo almost vertical cliffs rise high, and nature has hollowed out numerous caves there. In 12th century the first monks-hermits found shelter in the caves, settled there and established a big monastery complex. With time more and more monks came to live in the new cloister, and more and more caves were turned into churches, chapels and cells. The natural vesicles were additionally enlarged and shaped, and those used as churches were decorated with murals. The best masters of Turnovo school of painting were invited to paint the murals. Those that have been preserved until today, dating from 14th century, testify not only to the exceptional skill of the artists but also to the high level of Bulgarian arts in that epoch.