Fullday tour to Rila Monastery

Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sofia

Departure at 08.00 a.m. in the morning to Rila Monastery – the most exquisite example of monastery art and architecture of Bulgaria. The monastery is definitely a must-see if you are a tourist with a free day in Sofia. 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. The monastery was initially situated near the cave where the saint dwelled. After he passed away in 946, St. Ivan of Rila was buried in the cave in which he found solitude. Tsar Peter (who reigned in the period 927 – 969) brought the relics of the wonderworker from Rila to Sredets (Sofia). It was probably then when he was canonized as a saint. The relics were returned to Rila holy cloister in 1469.

Throughout the centuries Rila Monastery has always been the spiritual, educational and cultural centre of Bulgaria. During the Bulgarian Revival Period (18th – 19th centuries) Rila Monastery set up approximately 50 metochions in the large Bulgarian towns and villages where some of the most well-educated Rila monks performed their religious rites, established schools, and brought pilgrims to the monastery.

In 1961 Rila Monastery was declared Rila Monastery National Museum. In 1976 it was declared a National Historical Reserve and in 1983 it was included in the List of World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. 

Returning in Sofia at around 04:00 p.m.

The price is 37 € per person.

For further information you can contact office@ormatravel.com and +359 884 754 156
Contact persons: Iva Gergova & Maria Ignatova 

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