Rila Monastery is the largest monastery in Bulgaria. It is located on the northwestern side of the Rila mountain range, 118 kilometers from Sofia, 41 from the city of Blagoevgrad. The monastery was founded at the end of the 10th century by the reclusive monk Ivan Rylsky, who is also considered the patron of Bulgaria. His relics are still located in the main building of the complex. In 1983, the monastery was recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area of the complex with all the buildings is about 9,000 square meters, approximately three hundred rooms, 100 of which are given over to the monks’ cells.
The monastery has 2 entrances and a spacious courtyard, in the center of which is the oldest building - the Watchtower ("Hrelyuvata Kula") and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary with five domes, richly decorated with paintings. The church is the most beautiful building of the monastery, its architecture combines details of a Romanesque basilica, an Italian domed cathedral and the Athos cross-domed style, with an arched gallery on the sides. On its southern side there are illustrations depicting the posthumous journey of the soul through ordeals together with a guardian angel. Demons bring accusations against a person, but an angel counters them with good deeds, balancing the scales of justice. The painting was carried out by recognized Bulgarian icon painters Zachary and Dmitr Zograf, Dimitar and Simeon Molerovi. There is a museum of religious relics in the complex; if you intend to visit it, prepare 5 leva and warm clothes, as it is cool within the temple walls even on a hot day.
At a distance of 4 kilometers in the plane tree forest there is a cave in which Ivan Rylsky once lived. The winding road goes to the top. The guideposts on the trees serve as a guide. The cave is very crowded; many people leave coins and notes there with requests to the saint. The exit from the cave is through a special hole in the ceiling; according to legend, everyone who passes through it is absolved of all sins, provided, of course, that it does not close during passage.
It is worth mentioning that from Sofia you can get to the monastery by direct route by city bus every day at 10.20 from the Avtogara West station (Ovcha Kupel) for 11 levs. It departs back at 15.00. You can stay overnight at the hotel closest to the monastery - Tsarev Vrykh. Every morning a service is held in the church, and you have the opportunity to hear the mesmerizing ringing of a large bell.
The road to the monastery, although it passes through picturesque places, takes a very long time, since constant turns do not allow you to develop speed. In addition, be prepared for the fact that the time you spend on the road will be incomparably longer than the time spent in the complex.
In front of the monastery, a large area has been allocated for parking tourist buses and cars. This parking is paid, if you want to park for free, then you need to drive further along the road along the monastery to the beginning of the village adjacent to the monastery. There are also souvenir shops there.
Working hours. The complex is open to visitors from 8.00 am to 18.00 pm.
Phone +359 89 687 2010. Website www.rilamonastery.pmg-blg.com
Unfortunately, filming is only allowed in the yard.