Rila Monastery – Symbol of Bulgaria

There are ancient cities, medieval fortresses hidden deep in the mountains, religious buildings, unique natural beauties like caves, peaks, waterfalls. Simply said, beautiful places, that very often neither of them, we do not know that exist. That is why we decided to introduce you to the Rila Monastery.

Rila Monastery is truly remarkable place that forever will remain recorded in the memory as a unique experience. So, if you had chance visit this beautiful place.

Rila Monastery is one of the symbols of Bulgaria. It lies in the depth of the Rila Mountains, at 1147 meters above sea level. Its environment, as well as great-preserved interior and exterior making it one of the most visited places in Bulgaria. The monastery was founded by the hermit called Ivan of Rila. He lived in the 10th century in a cave located on the half hour walk on foot from the place where today monastery is located. It is thought that the monastery have built his students and followers. At the center of the monastery is a church dedicated to the Birth the Holy Virgin, which was built from 1834 to 1837 and which houses the relics of St. Ivana Rila.

This church is the largest monastery church in the Balkans. Painted the frescoes on which dominates the “Byzantine blue”. What is particularly interesting is that the outer side of the inner part of the monastery with frescoes, as well as input vaulting. When you decide to visit the monastery should definitely see the museum, which is particularly famous for wooden cross made from one piece of wood, which had been carved by monk Rafail. On the cross he carved 104 religious pictures and 650 miniature figures. Work on this part lasted at least 12 years, until the monk did not lose his sight.