NO LIMIT - SPA FOR YOUR MIND 

The monastery is situated on the Rila mountain, at an altitude of 1140 m. It was founded in the early 10th century by hermit Saint John of Rila (Ivan Rilski) and since then it was destroyed twice and rebuilt again. After the first seige only the central church was rebuilt, but shortly after the next invasion a true and proper castle was built. During the Ottomans domain, the monastery represented a spiritual and cultural reference for the Bulgarians. 
 

Back in 865 prince Boris converted the Bulgarians to Christianity. Bulgaria joined the list of European Christian countries. Christian virtues became a model and people followed them in all their forms. The first Holy Monasteries were founded shortly afterwards and many influenced men began life in spiritual retreat there. Rila Mountains is a very good place for spiritual achievement and spiritual enhancement. The Venerable Saint John of Rila, the Miracleworker, was born around 876 and settled down in the Rila Mountains to live there. All Ortodox Churches recognize and praise him. He was born in the village of Skrino near the town of Boboshevo. He became a monk in one of neighboring monasteries situated in Ruen Mountains, at the age 25. So began his difficult, but glorious way to Spiritual Perfection. A few years later his steps led him into the wilderness of Rila Mountains. He dedicated himself entirely to a life of isolation and prayers to God. Rocks were his bed and sky his cover. He lived twelve years in a cold cave without any physical amenities for seven years straight sleeping on bare ground and under the open sky. Through his strong faith in God, prayers and fasting he resisted the temptation of the devil. He was the founder of Bulgarian monasticism (life of a hermit) and he established a great confraternity of his disciples and followers. He reposed in the Lord on August 18th 946.

The Monastery preserved the Bulgarian culture throughout the extended Ottoman rule and was the cradle of the Bulgarian renaissance. Its walls hold great mysteries and have witnessed the peoples' struggle throughout the Dark and Middle Ages. It is currenly home to the most faithfull christian monks.

 

The monastery of Rila is protected by UNESCO.

 

 

PRICE INCLUDES:

 

 - Transportation from and to hotel

 - Guide fee

 - Parking fee

 - Entrance fee

 

SCHEDULE:

 

2 hour drive to the Rila mountain from Sofia, exploring the monastery, traditional lunch, drive back to Sofia.  

 

 

DON'T FORGET:

 

Make sure you bring warm clothes during autumn season, camera and a smile.