Available Excursions > The Rila Monastery

 

  The Rila Monastery is situated in Southern Bulgaria, 117 km away from Sofia and 100 km away from Bansko. Rising at 1147 m above sea level it lies amidst some of the most scenic recesses of Rila Mountains, to which the monastery owes its name. On either side the swift and clear flowing rivers of Rilska and Drushlyavitsa flank it. The Malyovitsa peak, reaching a height of 2729 m is within a four hours walking distance and within as many again is the Rila's highest point - mount Moussala, reaching to 2925 m.

According to some sources the monk hermit John of Rila who dwelt in a stone cave not far from the monastery's main complex founded the Rila Monastery in the 10th century. The originator of the Rila foundation who lived during the reign of the Bulgarian Tsar Peter (927-968) was raised to sainthood by the grateful Christians in sign of homage to his lifework. The disciples of John of Rila who lived at that same time should also be merited for the creation of the monastery.

In The Middle Ages the Bulgarian Rulers shoved great interest in the personality of the monk and the Rila cloister of which John of Rila's life history gives valuable evidence. Byzantine and Bulgarian writers composed or made copies of sections of his life which gave an account of moments of historical significance in the political, social and cultural life of these ages. The Bulgarian Tsars Ivan Asses II (1218-1241), Kaliman (1241-1246), Ivan Alexander and Ivan Shishman (1371-1393) made lavish gifts to the monastery. The Donation Deed of Tsar Ivan Shishman of 1378, which has been preserved until this day at the monastery museum, attests to the privileges that the monastery enjoyed and the extension of its estates. All though the 12th-14th centuries there was an upsurge of the monastery's cultural and artistic activities. Talented writers, painters and master-builders have left fascinating manuscripts, church and residential buildings, frescoes of high artistic value, remarkable works of the applied arts, woodcuts, church plates and icon paintings.

There is a long story to say about Rila Monastery but you should go there to hear it and to see the biggest monastery in Bulgaria in Rila Mountain.