Rila Orthodox Monastery, Spiritual Center Of Bulgaria
The Rila Orthodox Monastery has become one of the most representative Bulgarian icons and the main tourist destination in the country. Although its beauty is indisputable, it is considered that the most important thing is its history and the influence it has had.
This monastery is said to be the spiritual center of Bulgaria. Therefore, if sometimes only a monument justifies a trip, this is the case of the Rila Orthodox monastery.
Most of the country’s monasteries are hidden between forests and mountains. Therefore, reaching the Rila monastery will be quite an adventure. But it will be worth it, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Would you like to visit it? Stay with us and keep reading!
Rila Orthodox monastery, spiritual center of Bulgaria
As we said, Bulgaria has many Orthodox monasteries scattered throughout the most remote parts of the country. Getting there is not an easy task. The main characteristic they have in common is their isolation. Of course, once you arrive at its doors you can experience culture, art and history in the first person.
Rila Monastery location
The Rila Orthodox Monastery is located in the Rila National Park, south of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Sofia has a large number of monuments and museums that show episodes of its incredible history, from the invasion of the Huns to the Byzantine Empire and today.
On the other hand, the national park where the monastery is located is covered with lush forests and mountains hidden among the vegetation. Therefore, we recommend you visit the incredible city of Sofia and discover the natural landscapes that surround the monastery.
History of the monastery
The Rila Orthodox Monastery was founded in the 10th century. However, it has undergone various modifications over time, leading to the appearance it shows today.
According to the story, a courtier from the country named Ivan Rilski, later known as Saint John of Rila, retired to a cave in the Rila Mountains as a hermit. This man dedicated to fasting and prayer attracted other people and founded the monastery as a refuge for all.
In 1961, during the communist era, it was converted into a museum and in 1991 monastic activities returned to the premises. Today you can visit the cave that marked the spiritual history of the country, it is located only 4 kilometers from the monastery.
For Bulgarians, Rila is of great importance to their national identity. An enclosure in which its facades, a cobbled patio, huge domes and imposing porticoes stand out. A place that is an essential part of the country’s history.
How to get there and where to stay
The journey to the Rila Monastery can be quite an experience, as it is surrounded by magnificent landscapes. There are different ways to get there, but remember that there are always organized excursions to visit it. Buses leave from Sofia every day and guided tours to this spiritual center.
Instead, if you prefer, you can rent a vehicle. In this way, you will have to drive on a narrow road between mountains at about 1100 meters of altitude. The journey from Sofia is about an hour and a half.
On the other hand, the monastery itself offers accommodation. Thus, if you want to enjoy the true spiritual center of Bulgaria, we recommend spending the night there to get closer to its culture and history. If not, you can always stay in Sofia and move to the monastery during the day to visit it.
Hours and entrance
You can visit the monastery every day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., but it is only possible to go up to the chapel at the highest point of the tower from June to September. On the other hand, the enclosure has a museum that can be visited between 8:30 am and 7:30 pm during the summer and from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in winter.
Access to the monastery grounds and its church is free. However, if you want to visit the museum you must buy a ticket, remember that there are discounts for students and families.
