Rila Monastery
FAQFrequently asked questions
What kind of monastery is this and where is it?
The Rila Monastery is the largest male abode of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, hidden in the Rila Mountains at an altitude of 1,147 m. It is perhaps the main national symbol of the country, so don't be surprised by the crowds.
Who founded it and when?
It was started by Rev. Ivan Rylsky back in the 30s of the 10th century. The monastery itself has been named after him since the time of Tsar Peter I.
What is worth seeing here?
The main church with five domes and frescoes by Zacharias Zograf, the medieval Khrelio tower of the 14th century and a museum with 35,000 exhibits. The individual star of the collection is the Raphael cross with 650 tiny figures carved from wood.
Is it something officially valuable or just beautiful?
Both both: since 1983, the monastery has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During the Ottoman rule, it kept the Bulgarian language and culture, so the status is well-deserved.
Why don't the walls look so old?
Because the complex burned several times - big fires were in 1778 and 1833 - and it was rebuilt each time. So much of what you see is a masterful restoration, not a thousand-year-old original.
