Bulgaria Inside

Rila Monastery is situated close to the town of Blagoevgrad and the trip from Sofia to it is relatively short.

St. Ivan Rilski found his place for seclusion and prayer in the Rila Mountain and founded the monastery there, together with his students.

Right after its creation, the monastery became religious and cultural center. Today, it is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in the country, often considered one of the most recognizable Bulgarian symbols.

Beautiful icons and intricate woodcarvings decorate the interior of its church, Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno. Some of the paintings are works of famous artists like Zahari Zograph.

The monastery’s complex attracts many tourists. It brags a tower, a monastery kitchen and the beautiful church. The church houses the relics of Ivan Rilski, seen as miracle-making by many believers.

If you want to explore the monastery in-depth, you can stay there overnight. The complex offers accommodation.

Rila Monastery is one of the 100 national tourist sites. It has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

To learn more about the monastery, click here.