Some of the caves on the Shumen Plateau were used as rock monasteries, churches and monastic cells. They are located 8 to 10 m. above the base of almost vertical cliffs. Their entrances were widened, sheds, steps, covers were built, rooms and altars were formed. The probable dating of most of the monasteries is the 12th-14th centuries during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. They are connected with the development of hesychasm - a religious teaching preaching "pure Christianity", the need for hermitship and unity between man and God. The monasteries are located mainly in the rock crowns of the southern and eastern parts of the Shumen Plateau. Preserved today are the rock monasteries and monastic cells in the Osmarski Boaz, Troishki Boaz, above the village of Khan Krum, above Shumen and above the "Divdyadovo" district. As a result of the research, the Directorate of the Natural Park published a book entitled "The Rock Monasteries of the Shumen Plateau". Separate tourist routes lead tourists to these sacred places, the interest in which has been constantly increasing in recent years. The Shumen Plateau is a crossroads between natural beauty and ancient history.
