Bulgaria Inside

Rila monastery is considered one of Bulgaria’s symbols for a reason. Its magic comes from the scale and architecture, as well as the spiritual feel that the place projects. The white monastery walls, hidden between the old Rila pines make the place one of a kind.

The monastery was constructed in the 10th century and turned into a spiritual center right from the start. Today, it is one of the biggest and richest monasteries in the country. Reaching Rila monastery from Sofia is easy. Since the monastery is located near the town of Blagoevgrad, you could explore both in the same day.

Accommodation there is possible if you decide to spend more time exploring the region.

The monastery has a museum, a tower, its own kitchen and a huge yard. Many revolutionaries hid there in the past.

The relics of St. Ivan Rilski were placed in the monastery. The saint decided to spend his life in seclusion. He wanted to dedicate his life to prayer in the mountain. There, he founded the monastery with the help of his students.

Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno is the main church of the complex. It houses many valuable icons and unique woodcarvings. One of the artists who worked on the paintings was Zahari Zograph.

A cave is situated a short walk away from the monastery. Ivan Rilski lived there in isolation. According to the legend, only sinless people can come out of the cave through a small aperture. A fountain was constructed nearby. The stone wall behind it is the place where people leave a wish, written on a paper. If the wish comes from the heart, it is certain to come true.

The Rila monastery was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.