Rilski Manastir: Hotels and Accommodation

Rilski Manastir is described as a Bulgarian spiritual and literary center. It was founded in the first half of the 10th century; its library preserves manuscripts dating from the 11th century onward. Those wishing to book a hotel in Rilski Manastir can then continue their accommodation search.

Culture and History

The Church-Historical Museum presents the history of the monastery from its foundation by St John of Rila to the end of the 19th century. It includes frescoes, icons, church vessels, liturgical vestments, processional crosses, manuscripts, old printed books, and prints. The central exhibit is Rafail's Cross, which the monk Rafail made at the beginning of the 19th century.

The Icon Gallery displays 80 icons from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as 28 portraits of the monastery's abbots from 1860 to 2005. Hrelyova Tower is the oldest surviving building of the monastery and was built in 1335. The Chapel of the Transfiguration in Hrelyova Tower contains frescoes from the 14th century.

The Monastery Farm Museum preserves an old mill, a bread oven, woodworking tools, and beekeeping equipment. Guided discussions about the history of the monastery can be requested in Bulgarian, English, or French. Rila Monastery has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983 and is classified as a characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Nature

The path to St Luke Hermitage passes by the Rilomanastirska Gora Reserve. The dendrological route “Bachkova Fountain–Grave of St Ivan Rilski” features approximately 35 tree and shrub species with their Latin names.

More local information in the travel section: Rila, Smochevo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Rila.