Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Bulgaria  /  Sofia Region  /  Rila  /  Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery, Rila

4.8
#1 of 6 in Things to do in Rila
Historic Site Religious Site Must See
Visit Rila Monastery, the oldest religious center in the Slavic world, to appreciate the harmony between architecture and painting. The students of St. Ivan of Rila built the monastery in the 10th century near the hermit ascetic's cave and tomb. This World Heritage site is a cultural and spiritual center of Bulgarian national consciousness. The main church features beautiful frescoes and a gold-plated iconostasis, famous for its wood carvings. Don't miss Rafail's Cross in the monastery museum, which depicts 104 religious scenes and includes 650 miniature figures. At the end of the 18th century, a monk named Rafail used magnifying lenses to whittle the wooden cross. It took him 12 years to complete the cross, and the work cost him his sight. Plan your Rila Monastery visit and explore what else you can see and do in Rila using our Rila trip itinerary builder tool.
Create an itinerary including Rila Monastery
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours To Rila Monastery

Full-Day Rila Monastery, the cave of St.Ivan and Boyana Church Tour from Sofia BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $35
4.9
9 reviews
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Buy tours from $35
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $30
4.7
10 reviews
Duration: 8 hours
Buy tours from $30
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church with Light Lunch BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $52
4.5
10 reviews
Duration: 8 hours
Buy tours from $52

Rila Monastery Reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 5.0
1,875 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By JoostG3
    The monastery is simply beautiful (free entry) and nicely positioned in its green surroundings. You can enter the main building (definitely worth it) and climb the tower next to it (5BGN, not worth...  more »
  • By gloria v
    Beautiful, ancient place full with history and icons. I want to visit this place again next time when i go there. Have a positive energy.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »

Plan your trip to Rila

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Rila

©
Rila National Park
4.8
Duration: 8 hours
©
Belmeken Dam
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
©
Musala Peak
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
©
Rila
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from Rila

©
Dancing Bears Park
Belitsa
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
©
Cottage Farm
Alino
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
St Teodor Tiron and Teodor Stratilat Church
Dobarsko
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Plans to Rila Monastery by other users

33 days in Europe & United States BY A USER FROM AUSTRIA August, popular sights Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 7 days in Borovets BY A USER FROM BOLIVIA August, popular sights Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 12 days in Eastern Europe BY A USER FROM GERMANY July, popular sights Preferences: July Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 15 days in Bulgaria BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM August, popular sights Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 53 days in Bansko BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES December, popular sights Preferences: December Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 28 days in Eastern Europe BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, popular sights Preferences: July Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium
See more plans