Rila monastery

Rila monastery is considered as a symbol of Bulgaria. Situated in the Rila Mountains, 1147 meters above the sea level and in the valley of Rilska River, the monastery has been founded close to the cave where St. John of Rila lived. His ascetic life, dedicated to fasting and prayers, has impressed many people who, after his death, visited his tomb and turned it into a holy site. Later the place was transferred into a monastery complex founded by the donations from all Bulgarian tsars. The monastery played an important cultural and spiritual role in Bulgaria during ages. The complex was also the center of Bulgarian culture and language during the Ottoman Empire.

Rila monastery has been during the centuries a very significant spiritual center in Bulgaria. Its artistic and cultural influence over the whole Eastern Orthodox world represents the creative genius of the people during medieval times. The complex was destroyed by fire in the 19^th century and later rebuilt.

The rectangular complex with the main church, dating from 19^th century.

The church is particularly beautiful with its golden decorations, many valuable icons and frescos.

The church with the Hrelyo`s tower, the oldest construction in the complex.

Medieval and Renaissance paintings.

Residential part of the complex has four stores.

Idyllically sceneries.

Everything around you is indescribably beautiful and spiritual.

Tourists here are a lot. It is worth dedicating a whole day exploring the monastery and the entire Natural Park of the magnificent Rila Mountains.