Rila Monastery

Amazing nature

Stunning architecture

Fresh air

Why visit

The Rila Monastery is a magical place worth visiting.The Rila Monastery is located 120 km from Sofia and 41 km from Blagoevgrad. Located in the depths of the Rila Mountains.

The Rila Monastery is the largest monastery in Bulgaria and one of the most revered in the whole Orthodox world.

The history of the monastery is related to St. Ivan Rilski, who settled in the area and devoted himself to fasting and prayer. The Rila Monastery carries a magical energy and is a strong energy point of Bulgaria. The monastery is a large religious center. The monastery’s library holds 16,000 volumes, among which there are especially valuable copies from the 15th to the 19th century.

The museum of the monastery has over 380 exhibits – icons, weapons, priestly garments, liturgical objects, gifts and gift certificates. One of the most interesting exhibits in the museum is the first geographical globe in Bulgaria, made in 1836. By Neophyte Rilski for the Convent School and the Raphael Cross.In the Rila Monastery is one of the richest collections of icons from 14 to 19 century. The oldest is the icon with the image of Ivan Rilski dating from the 14th century.

Another important part of the artistic treasures of the Rila Monastery is woodcarving. Here is one of the earliest examples of this art in Bulgaria – the carved door of the old church from the 14th century.

What else you can see around the monastery

“Magernitsa” – is the name of the monastery kitchen and in it you can see the huge cauldrons in which the monks prepared a “Kurban” for the laity during major holidays.
Church “Introduction to the Mother of God” – The church was built especially for cemetery rituals and as a standard, around it are buried all the monks who lived in the monastery, and inside the temple is the ossuary.”Introduction to the Mother of God” is located at the southern end of the monastery complex.
The cave of St. Ivan Rilski – The cave, in which the saint lived for 5 years and in which he found eternal peace, is among the biggest landmarks in the immediate vicinity of the Rila Monastery.The cave itself is entered through a narrow opening between the rock and the church and according to the belief, only the one who is righteous can pass through it.The transition to the cave is approximately 4 km.

The Rila Monastery is the heart of Orthodox Bulgaria!Do not miss the visit of Rila Monastery, when you find yourself in this heavenly place called Bulgaria!

Why visit Rila Monastery?

Amazing and charging atmosphere. Stunning nature perfect for kids. Fresh air which refresh your day.

More to see nearby

Seven Rila Lakes

The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes, situated in the northwestern Rila Mountain in Bulgaria. They are the most visited group of lakes in Bulgaria.

The cave of St. Ivan Rilski

The cave in which St. Ivan Rilski has spent more than 7 years of his life is located only 3-4 kilometers from the Rila Monastery. The walk to the cave lasts about 15 minutes.From the cave there is another path that leads to the unique area “Cross” which reveals a beautiful panoramic view.

Rila National Park

Rila National Park is the largest of the three national parks on the territory of Bulgaria.

Restaurants nearby

Restaurant Gradina

Tavern ’’Magic of Rila’’

Tsarev Vruh

Combine your Rila Monastery visit with a few more sights.
Turn it into a memorable trip!

BLAGOEVGRAD

CENTRAL RILA RESERVE

BOROVETS

Tours which include Rila Monastery

Plovdiv – Trigrad

Bulgarian villages are beautifully nestled in the most beautiful corners of the country, picturesque, romantic, unforgettable, guardians of memories of the most memorable moments in Bulgarian history. This tour is an escape from everything you know. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Bulgarian village and traditions with our team!

6 days SPA and Recreation Holiday in Sandanski, Bulgaria

Enjoy spa treatments in Sandanski with the abundance of mineral healing waters in the region, such as healing procedures, steam and mud baths, jacuzzi, massages, specialized baths, sauna and numerous treatment packages. Combine your SPA holiday with a trip to Bulgaria’s natural phenomenoa and unique sights – Melnik Pyramids and Rila Monastery Feel the mystical atmosphere at Rupite – a place with very strong energy.

Discover Bulgaria for 5 nights

With this trip you will see the famous Rila Monastery. It is a monument in the UNESCO list of world heritage and is situated in the highest mountain on the Balkans – Rila Mountain. It is one of the best sellers for individual travelers and groups. The Monastery dates back to the 10th century, famous for its ornate interior and colorful frescoes. Enjoy sightseeing in Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo. You will see the lovely Valley of Roses. The village of Arbanassi is a wealthy crafts and trade hub that you will find very interesting.

Discover Bulgaria 8 nights

Koprivshtitsa – Veliko Tarnovo – Etara – Valley of roses – Plovdiv – Rila monastery. This tour comprises many interesting experiences in Bulgaria. You will see Koprivshitsa’s 19th century houses with their colorful courtyards, surrounded with high stone walls and gates; the unique collection of old-times water-driven machinery in Bulgaria; the symbol of Bulgaria – the ‘Rose Flower’ and many more.

12 Days Touring Bulgaria

Touring palm-size Bulgaria is an exciting experience – it is as if you are entering an open-air museum. It lacks nothing and abounds in hospitality and natural attractiveness.
For those who come to Bulgaria to get away from their tedious routine, there is the leisure of the Black Sea and the magic of the Old Bulgarian museum towns and monasteries.

11 Days Monastery Tour

Bulgaria adopted Christianity during the reign of Tzar Boris (852-889). Now Bulgaria belongs to the Eastern Orthodox Church, which for centuries protected the identity of the Slav community.
The religious monuments – monasteries and churches – inspired a sense of security, creating perfect conditions for theologians and philosophers, thus founding the future cultural and spiritual moral of the Bulgarian nation. This program will introduce you to the top of masterpieces of monastery art and architecture, to the fate of the nation, to the sacred places of our history.

SPA and Recreation Holiday in Sandanski and Bansko area

10 days / 9 nights. Bulgaria is one of the leading SPA destinations in Europe, because of the abundance of mineral springs, located throughout the whole its territory. The number of the springs is more than 700, with different composition, temperature and properties of the mineral water. The Ancient Thracians have built some of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria around thermal springs. Most of these settlements become nowadays some of the best SPA resorts in Bulgaria. We select few of them to present you their treasures.

Bulgaria- Explore and fit – 10 days

This is a program appropriate for everyone who wants to see the capital of Bulgaria, the beautiful mountains and to reduce and maintain its weight and change his lifestyle. This program is suitable for all ages, and people under 18 years old can join the program with a companion.

N.B: It is necessary that all participants are in good condition and without serious health problems.

10 Days Balneotherapy in Sandanski

Bulgaria is one of the leading SPA destinations in Europe, because of the abundance of mineral springs, located throughout the whole its territory. The number of the springs is more than 700, with different composition, temperature and properties of the mineral water. Sandanski is a picturesque town situated on the south-western slopes of the Pirin Mountains, famous for its climatic and spa resources. After a qualified medical test you will be directed to the right treatment program – fitness, weight losing, arthro-rheumatical, antitab, longevity antistress etc.

5 days Wine Tasting Tour in South-West Bulgaria

This program invites you to taste the excellent flavor of wines from South-West Bulgaria. The experience of wine-making has been gathered for centuries and dates as far back as the cult of Dionysus in Thracian times.
The superb Melnik red wine is made from grape varieties and ages in cool sandstone caves. There the wine matures and finally reaches its unique quality and strength.
Don’t miss the celebration of wine-tasting!

Rila Monastery Tour

Rila Monastery is definitely a must-see if you are a tourist with a free day in Sofia. Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy site and were transformed into a monastic complex which played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria.

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We put in an extra effort to help you feel the spirit of Bulgaria!

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CONFITO offers you a tailor-made trip to all the sights you are interested in!
We guarantee you a memorable stay in Bulgaria!

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RILA MONASTERY