The Zemen monastery is now turned into a museum complex. It consists of two connected buildings, a small steeple and a church in the center of the large, well maintained yard.

The church is named after St. Joan Bogoslov and is the oldest preserved building in the area, which dates back to the XI century. It presents a cross into a square shape with a dome over a high cylindric drum. The walls are made of ashlars – travertine. The altar is made of a massive stone slab, whose floor is decorated with colourful marble and stone pieces. People who live nearby tell the legend that the altar makes your wishes to come true – it is just enough to put your left hand on its surface and whisper it.

The unique frescos on the walls were painted between XI and XIV century, and the donor portraits preserved are some of the most valuable in the country. The overall style of the paintings did not follow the traditional rules of the time and thus they can be seen nowhere else. In the church you can find also the earliest painting of st. Ivan Rilski.

Now the monastery yard is often used for a venue of many wedding ceremonies because of the beautiful place and the tranquil atmosphere.