Mountains Excursions

Rila Monastery

The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains and is one of the most significant monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the 10th century, and eventually became a monastic complex that played a primary role in the spiritual history of medieval Bulgaria. Having survived fire, abandonment and plunder, the monastery fascinates visitors today with its exquisite architecture, rich murals and icons and valuable museum collection, including old manuscripts, jewellery, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books.

Telephone: 7054 2208; Transport: There is regular bus transport from the town of Rila; Opening time: Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter hours. Services are from 7 or 8am and 4 or 5pm depending on the time of year