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All 1 Rila Attractions »

Rila Monastery

Rila, Bulgaria
Ranked #1 of 1 attractions in Rila
5.0 of 5 stars 63 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Religious Sites
Description: Founded in the 10th century, this monastery was restored in the 15th and again in the 19th century.
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63 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

Imagine setting up a monastery in the remote hills, and then dragging a huge printing press all the way from Vienna to assist in the production of manuscripts. Imagine a monk carving an intricate and exquisite wooden cross for 12 years until he went blind. Imagine fresh mountain water roaring in the background as you light a candle before the... More

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Sofia, Bulgaria
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012

At the heart of the Rila mountain, the biggest monastery in Bulgaria is a great destination for a one-day trip. Beautifully renovated, surrounded by wonderful nature. More

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Naples
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I've been 2 weeks in Bulgaria and Rila Monastery was the greatest sight i've visited. Very ancient and spiritual place. This place is a must when you are visiting Bulgaria! One of the ways to visit this place is with www. rilamonasteryshuttle. com reasonable price and good service. More

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novi sad,serbia
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2012

Some one and a half hour ride from the capital, Sofia in the bottom of Rila mountains lies this fabulous monastery. There is a parking lot in front of gate, but You must get there early otherwise park behind the monastery on the narrow road. Monastery is under protection by Unesco as world heritage site and is truly worth a... More

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london
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012

If you are in Sofia, you must take a day trip to this beautiful monastery. Set in the mountains, there are monks selling icecreams. The arches and patterned brick of the colonnades and the rich interior of the church stand out in my memory. It is also possible to stay there, but must be booked long in advance. More

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London
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

Interesting site, but not amazing or 'must-see' in my books which is what it had been cracked up to be. Some good hikes around the area and I think my time would have been better used with that! Very touristy, particularly given its fairly rural location. Maybe I am a bit fussy, but WiFi, Satellite dishes and a pub at... More

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Sofia
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Shuttle bus from downtown Sofia to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church is also an option for pals willing to visit the temple. The bus leaves from the square of Alexander Nevski Cathedral between April 14th and September 30th, Thursday to Monday. Drivers are English-speaking, return trip price is 25 Euro/person. For more details and online booking you can check www.rilamonasterybus.com.... More

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Springfield, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2012

The Rila Monastery is an amazing place, which has its rich roots in the heart of every Bulgarian. It's a part of Bulgarian history and attracts tourists from all over the world. The monastery is an architecture miracle, has beautiful murals and icons. Not last the surrounding nature is a breath taking. I love the cobblestones in the courtyard and... More

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Bansko, Bulgaria
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 March 2012

A MUST if you are in the area. A real gem, a living Monastery not a relic!! Take pictures where you can in the courtyard and grounds. Photos and Videos prohibited inside the buildings! Only let down is the toilets, they are VERY Poor!! More

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Sofia, Bulgaria
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 March 2012

Absolutely recommended for travelers! Also the area is great! More

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