Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery is a historic Eastern Orthodox monastery located in the Rila Mountains of southwestern Bulgaria, about 117 km south of the capital city of Sofia. Founded in the 10th century by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila, it has since become one of the most important cultural and spiritual centers of Bulgaria.

The monastery's striking architecture features a mix of Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Ottoman influences, with colorful frescoes and ornate wood-carvings adorning its walls and ceilings. It is also home to a vast collection of religious artifacts, including manuscripts, icons, and ancient books, many of which date back to the medieval period.

In 1983, Rila Monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and today it remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its beauty and learn about its rich history and cultural significance