Belyova Church “Virgin Birth” is located approximately 2 km south of Samokov, to the left side of the road to Borovets resort. It is a nave and apse church with a semi-cylindrical vault, half-hidden in the ground. In its present form it was built in XV-XVII century on the foundations of ancient Christian temples. It is made of crushed stone mortar bonded. 200 meters behind the church a holy water spring is located. There is also a fountain in the churchyard, built in 1879. Archaeological research suggests the existence of Belyova Church can be seen in three stages. The first relates to Late Antiquity (V – VI century). In the Middle Ages (XII – XIII century), the temple was reconstructed and restored most probably as a cemetery temple. It is suggested that in the capture of Samokov by the Turks in years 1370-1371 the church was burned and razed to the ground. This is the end of the second stage of its existence. The third stage of the church is associated with late Middle Ages – XV – XVII century. At that time the church had a nave with indoor porch and entrance from the west. Around 1657 the church was covered with earth. She remained active until 1712, when the construction of the Metropolitan Church in Samokov began. Thereafter, for many years the church was abandoned, covered with grass and elm adherent to the roof. In 1862 the church was made a solemn service with blessing of the holy spring. The overall reconstruction began in 1867. In 1869 the church interior was repainted on the old wall paintings by the painters Nikola Obrazopisov, Hristaki Zografski and Dimitar Daskalov (Dupnichanina). According to local legend the church was built during the Second Bulgarian Empire by the local boyar Belyo and therefore bears his name. In Belyova church the remains of Samokov Bishop Simeon Popovich, who administers Samokov Metropolitan School in 1734 are buried. As a defender of the Christian population he was arrested in July 1737, taken to Sofia and on 21 August of that year was hung behind the “St. Sofia” Church. Today Samokov citizens celebrate the day of the death of Saint Simeon of Samokov – August 21, which was declared the day of Samokov.
