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Rila Monastery, or the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, is one of Bulgaria’s most sacred spiritual sites. This monastery was founded in the 10th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a masterpiece of Bulgarian Renaissance architecture. It has made a great contribution to Bulgarian history and culture, being a centre of spirituality, education, and artistic creation. The monastery was restored firstly in the 15th century and then again in the 19th. Today, it is a pilgrimage site for orthodox Christians and a primary tourist attraction.
Quick Facts
Location: Rila Mountains, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
How to Reach: By car, bus, and guides
Nearest Airport: Sofia International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Blagoevgrad
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Location
Photo: Untravelled / Wikimedia Commons
A sacred spiritual site, this beautiful monastery is found in the stunning Bulgarian Rila Mountains about 120 km south of Sofia. Rila Monastery sits serenely next to the Manastirska and Rilska Rivers and numerous trails, including that leading up to St. Ivan’s Cave, where the monastery founder spent years in isolation.
How To Reach
Photo: Margarita kiril86 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to the Rila Monastery is Sofia International Airport, which is about 140 kilometres from the location. Also, it provides direct shuttle services, a car rental facility, and taxis from the airport to reach the monastery.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Blagoevgrad railway station, which is 40 kilometres away. From there, you can get a local bus or take a taxi towards the monastery.
By Road: From Sofia, you can head to the town of Rila on Route A3 and then to the monastery along Route 107. Public buses are also available daily from Sofia Central Bus Station for a direct trip to the monastery.
Things To Do
1. Visit The Rila Monastery Museum
Photo: Νικόλαος Κυριακάκης / Wikimedia Commons
The monastery Museum is a treasure trove offering a true insight into Bulgaria’s deep, rich monastic and religious tradition. Its collection comprises ages-old manuscripts, antique coins, and rare religious artefacts that express the historically long-established traditions of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Among the museum’s most valuable exhibits is the famous Raphael’s Cross, a monastic devotion and artistry masterpiece. The breathtakingly detailed wooden cross took twelve years in the workshop of its creator-monk Raphael, to complete in 1802. On its surface, there are over 1,000 miniature Bible scenes depicted in detail.
2. Explore The Architecture And St Ivan Of Rila’s Cave
Photo: Daniel Dimitrov / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The architecture of the monastery is a perfect synthesis of Bulgarian Renaissance artistry and Byzantine influence. The walls and towering structures are beautiful, with frescoes done by Zahari Zograf, one of Bulgaria’s most celebrated artists of the 19th century. His work covered ceilings, archways, and outer walls with vivid colours, detailed expressive Bible scenes, and religious figures. You can also explore St. Ivan of Rila’s cave near the monastery, where it is believed that the saint spent his life as a hermit.
Places to Visit Around Rila Monastery
1. Rila National Park
Photo: Vislupus / Wikimedia Commons
Rila National Park comprises 81,000 hectares and is one of the largest national parks in Bulgaria. There are pure forests, alpine meadows with cascading waterfalls, and high mountain peaks. From high-standard, well-trodden paths to bird watching or simply appreciating the scenery, there’s something for everyone. It also houses different wild animal species, such as the brown bears, the wolves, and the golden eagles. It offers various hiking routes, from easy walking trails to more challenging treks that take one to breathtaking views and high-altitude lakes.
Distance From The Monastery: 16 km
2. Stob Pyramids
Photo: Reneman / Wikimedia Commons
The Stob Pyramids are a natural wonder made over millions of years. These gigantic rock formations in the form of pyramids or huge pillars create the most gorgeous view in this region, where bright yellow and red colours glow during sunset. A short hike to the rewarding elevated viewpoint will allow you to see the scale and beauty of these formations. A local legend about the pyramids is that these are the petrified remains of wedding guests turned to stone, completing the mystique about the site.
Distance From The Monastery: 28 km
3. Blagoevgrad
Photo: Eola / Wikimedia Commons
Blagoevgrad is known by its universities, like American University in Bulgaria, whose life vibrates under all the excitement of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The historic Varosha Quarter, which has preserved 19th-century houses, offers glances into the old world of traditional Bulgarian architecture and lifestyle. There are also many cultural sites located in museums and galleries. Its location, relatively close to the Rila Mountains and the Struma River, provides the opportunity to see the natural beauty of this town. It is an attractive destination both for lovers of culture and normal tourists.
Distance From The Monastery: 40 km
4. Seven Rila Lakes
Photo: Tsvetomira Zaharieva / Wikimedia Commons
In the Rila National Park are the Seven Rila Lakes, which every nature lover or hiker should include in the visit. It is a 1-hour 45-minute hike from the lower to the upper station by walking at a normal pace. At varied elevations above sea level, these glacial lakes have shapes and names such as The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Twin, The Trefoil, Fish Lake and the Lower Lake. These seven lakes have wonderful beauty and stunning views of the mountain surroundings. They are full of folklore and are a place of consecration for the locals.
Distance From The Monastery: 80 km
5. Kyustendil
Photo: Vassia Atanassova / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kyustendil is an old spa town with a long history of spas in the region, where locals have enjoyed their therapeutic mineral springs since Roman times. Now, the place is pretty silent, with both modern and traditional spas. Added to that are countless cultural landmarks like the Regional Historical Museum, which is representative of many discoveries from Roman, Ottoman, and Bulgarian past and mediaeval ruins. The town’s charm is complemented by the presence of Revival-style buildings on cobblestone streets. Rich with fruit, profuse orchards, and endless hills, Kyustendil is an ideal destination for serenity while exploring culture.
Distance From The Monastery: 80 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For an inexpensive but comfortable stay, use Hotel Pchelina, a charming guesthouse located near the monastery that offers basic amenities with traditional Bulgarian dishes. A bit further away from the monastery is the Hotel Rilets Resort & Spa, with well-furnished rooms, a relaxing SPA, and fabulous mountain views paired with comfort. For those requiring luxury, there are Borovets Hotels, an hour’s drive from the monastery.
Where To Eat
Photo: Lyubina Yoncheva / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Eating near the monastery, you can taste all the best traditional Bulgarian food through the local restaurants and eateries. The Rilski Manastir restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere with a menu full of classic Bulgarian dishes such as shopska salad, grilled kebapche, bean soup, and many others. The freshly prepared food in generous quantities is one of the best places where one can sample regional tastes. Another good option is Restaurant Magernitsa, which offers local specialities served along with heavenly monastery bread, baked fresh every day by the monks.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Chris Hristov / Unsplash
The best time to visit the monastery is between May and October, as the climate is not too hot, and the weather conditions in the surroundings of Rila Mountains are at their best. They become lushly green with comfortable temperatures and are ideal conditions for hiking and sightseeing. The summer months are even more beneficial because the skies are clear and daylight is long enough to fully explore everything connected with the monastery and trails around it.
Other Things To Consider
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of Trip
The estimated trip cost for a weekend trip to the monastery is from ₹5,000-30,000, depending on your travel preferences. Budget travelling is possible here, staying in basic accommodations like guesthouses or dorms, which cost ₹2,200–4,450 per night. Some local restaurants are relatively inexpensive, and traditional Bulgarian cuisine can cost from ₹1000–2000 per person. Make sure to consider the travel and transportation expenses as well.
Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century, is one of the most important symbols of Bulgaria’s Orthodox heritage and an object of great cultural and historical value. Whether you come to admire its artistic beauty, connect with its spiritual energy, or explore the surrounding natural landscape, monastery promises an experience that is rich and unforgettable. Plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy the Rila Hills of Bulgaria.
Cover Photo: Thomas Isbister / Unsplash
