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Rila Monastery is one of the symbols of Bulgaria and is also a popular tourist destination. The monastery lies in the recesses of Rila Mountain, between Rilska and Drushlyavitsa Rivers, at 1147 m above mean sea level. It is located about 120 km away from Sofia and 41 km away from Blagoevgrad.
Rila holy cloister was founded in the first half of the 10th century. Its history is directly related to St. Ivan of Rila, the first Bulgarian hermit, who settled in the region and devoted his life to fasting and prayers.
In 1983 it was included in the List of World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
Availability for visits: all year round, available guide, paid visit for some part of the Monastery.
Transport accessibility: The E79 International Route (Sofia – Kulata) goes to the monastery. At the town of Kocherinovo take the designated junction to the monastery. The distance from the junction to the monastery is approximately 25 km.
Tourist infrastructure: there are parking lots. The monastery offers accommodation, shops - icons, albums, cards, souvenirs and traditional Bulgarian crafts can be bought there. Nearby are restaurants and several hotels, Geyzera Information Center – Sapareva Banya, Tourist Information Centre - Rila.
