Rising out of a forested valley in the Rila Mountains, Rila Monastery is the Bulgaria’s most famous monastery for 1000 years and one of the symbols of Bulgaria. Follow the guide.
Rila Monastery, located about 120 km away from Sofia, is definitely the most famous and largest monastery in Bulgaria. And we understand why ! Founded in the 10th century by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila, Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural monuments of Bulgaria, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983.
Rila Monastery’s fortress-like complex engulfs 8800 sq m, and within its stone walls you’ll find remarkably colourful architecture and religious art. The Murals of the monastery’s main church, the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Mary, are the beautiful and impressive work of the most famous icon-painters of the 19th century.
The monastery has also its own library, very impressive about 250 manuscript books from 11th – 19th century, 9000 old-printed books and manuscripts. There is also a Ecclesiastical and Historical Museum (every day, 8:30am – 4:30pm) located in the monastery which proposes a rich collections of icons, cultural and ethnographical items, historical collection of 35 000 exponents, wood-carvings, and many others things.
It’s better to arrive very early, before 10:00am to be quiet during your visit because after the place fills with lot of tourists. Most travellers visit Rila Monastery on a day trip, but you can stay at the Monastery which offers domes places to stay. Do no wait anymore to discover this Bulgarian treasure.
More : Adress / By car, take the route Sofia-Kulata. Exit the road in Kocherinovo village – 30 km to the monastery from there. By bus : check Rila Shuttle / Hours : 8:00am – 8:00 pm / Accommodation : +359 896 872 010 / Movies about : https://www.facebook.com/3MinuteBulgaria/?hc_ref=ART9eIm7uq0t1PPcuWN9MFxemfpy-oF5SjSituX6yscgjWlq5si3FAmsSerNalltX4E&fref=nf
