Rila Monastery

A beautiful monastery, it is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila. Very atmospheric and historic, Well worth a visit, but get there early otherwise there are long queues to enter.

Lovely viewing balcony, but we were not allowed up there due to repairs

I don't necessarily connect monasteries with religion. For me they are magical places ✨ Magical for their architecture, the atmosphere, the art and the minds behind all that. Can you imagine building a place like this deep into the woods... Only the people who had the need or the will used to visit them. ⠀
Now they are open to all of us and the best we can do is just to appreciate them!

The domes of the church "Nativity of the Virgin Mother" are one of the most distinguishable parts of the Rila Monastery.⠀
This is the main church in the monastery and was erected in 1837 after the demolishing of the original church.⠀
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The frescoes inside, the gold-plated iconostasis, the altars, and icons are amazing pieces of art! ⠀
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It was forbidden to take pictures inside the church but I can tell you - you will not get bored by the gold and the wood-carving! It's breathtaking! 🙌🏻🧡

Visit Rila Monastery

Activities

Rila travel guide

Popular places to visit

#LifeAtExpedia its nice to have a green park like this adjacent to the town

Bachinovo Park

Explore the great outdoors at Bachinovo Park, a lovely green space in Blagoevgrad. Make time to visit the temples and monuments while you're in the area.

Pathway to the peak - Winter! #WinterWonders #lifeatexpedia

Yanakiev Ski and Snowboard School

Hit the slopes in Samokov with a visit to Yanakiev Ski and Snowboard School. Amble within the forests or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno

After visiting Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Rilski Manastir. Make time to visit the spas and temples while you're in the area.

St Luke’s Hermitage & St Ivan’s Cave

You can find out about the history of Rila with a stop at St Luke’s Hermitage & St Ivan’s Cave. Make time to visit the spas and monuments while you're in the area.

Malyovitsa Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Samokov with a visit to Malyovitsa Ski Resort. Amble around the area's forests or visit its spas.

Kartala Ski Resort

Hit the slopes at Kartala Ski Resort during your trip to Blagoevgrad. Discover the area's museums and temples.

Top Hotel Deals

Mountain Dream Hotel

Borovets Samokov Sofia Province

Lion Borovetz

Borovetz Resort Samokov Sofia Province

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