Monastery of Saint John of Rila

The monastery complex spans across multiple buildings with a rectangular layout centered around an inner yard containing the main church and tower.

Saint John of Rila established this religious center in 946, making it the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery throughout Bulgaria's medieval and modern history.

The monastery houses 300 monastic chambers, four chapels, and a library containing numerous manuscripts that document Bulgarian Orthodox Christian traditions.

Located 117 kilometers from Sofia at 1,147 meters elevation, the monastery provides guided tours and overnight accommodations for visitors throughout the year.

The museum displays Rafail's Cross, a wooden cross carved from a single piece of wood over twelve years, depicting 104 religious scenes.

Location: Rila

Location: Kyustendil

Inception: 946

Founders: John of Rila

Elevation above the sea: 1,147 m

Part of: Rila Monastery, 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria

Phone: +35970542208

Website: https://rilskimanastir.org

GPS coordinates: 42.13333,23.34028

Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:35