In the heart of the Rila Mountains, the sumptuous Rila Monastery is the most famous and largest in Bulgaria. A national museum since 1961, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The monastery was founded in the ^10th century by Ivan Rilski and his disciples, then moved in 1335 of 3 km, to its current location. Sacked by invaders at the beginning of the ^15th century, it was restored in 1469 thanks to donations from the Russian Orthodox Church. In 1833, a fire destroyed most of the buildings and the present buildings date mostly from the ^19th century, except for the Hrelio tower (1335). The monastery, a national symbol and treasure, was rebuilt thanks to donations from Bulgarian families. Many famous artists participated in its reconstruction, including Pavel Ivanovich, Alexii Riletz, and the master Rilenko. The murals and icons are the work of the best schools (Samokov and Bansko).

Throughout its history, the Rila Monastery has been an important cultural center, especially when Orthodoxy was threatened by the Ottomans. In the shelter of the mountains, the most influential clerics and the greatest authors of Bulgarian literature found refuge here. Rila was already a literary reference in the ^15th century. Its library has 32,000 books, including 9,000 old handwritten books, and 250 manuscripts dating from the ^11th to the ^19th centuries. About ten monks (out of the 300 that the community counts) live in this monastery which is one of the most visited places in Bulgaria.

Dependencies. On the sides, the buildings that are part of the daily community life of the monastery can also be visited, including the old kitchens with their huge pots.

Church of the Assumption. Located in the center of the courtyard, this beautiful Greek-style church, built in 1837, is a copy of a church found on Mount Athos.

Ecclesiastical and historical museum. Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission 8 leva. Photographs are not allowed in the museum. At the back of the monastery courtyard. Beautiful icons.

Hrielo Tower. The only building from the Middle Ages (1335). The monks used to take refuge here in case of danger.

It is advisable to respect the rules in force in the monastery / correct dress, silence, respectful attitude in the church, etc.

It is possible to sleep at the monastery in simple conditions (meals at the nearby inn), see the contact on the website.