Bulgaria’s most famous Orthodox monastery is situated some 120 km south of Sofia, tucked away in a valley amongst the peaks of the Rila Mountains. This is, in fact, where its name comes from. It lies at an altitude of 1,173 metres.

Find accommodation in Rila

The monastery was founded as early as the 10th century by St Ivan of Rila and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

The monastery’s distinctive Byzantine architecture is playful, colourful and full of charming details. The building’s white, red and brown colours symbolise Bulgarian folk costume. Here you can see the first Bulgarian globe, rare icons and, above all, the almost surreal wall frescoes in the Church of the Holy Mother of God.

When visiting the monastery, please respect the dress code and do not enter the grounds with bare shoulders or knees.

Admission and opening hours

Entry to the monastery grounds isfree.

However, an admission charge applies to several museums and parts of the monastery:

• Rila Museum – guided tours only (approx. 50 minutes) for 12 eur in English, or 7,50 eur in Bulgarian
• Church History Museum – 4 eur
• Icon Gallery – 1,50 eur
• Hrelov Tower (the oldest surviving part of the monastery, dating from 1335) – 2,50 eur

All areas of the Rila Monastery are open daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

You can find the latest information on the websiterilskimanastir.org.

Where to stay?

You certainly don’t have to visit the monastery on just a day trip from Sofia – and it would be a shame to do so. The surrounding countryside of the Rila Mountains is breathtaking and deserted.

Right in the valley where the Rila Monastery is situated, you’ll find several lovely hotels and guesthouses with prices around 41 eur per night for a double room.

About 4 km from the monastery, outside the town and surrounded by countryside, you’ll find two highly rated hotels:

• Family Hotel Pchelina
• Family Hotel Gorski Kut

According to travellers’ experiences, it is also possible to stay overnight in the monastery itself for around 15 eur.

How to get there

The monastery is situated on a minor road about 120 km south of Sofia and 40 km from the town of Blagoevgrad. At present, there is no public transport running directly to the monastery.

By car

The most convenient way to travel is definitely by hire car, which allows you to explore the surrounding mountains without restriction. In Sofia, you’ll find a standard selection of international car hire companies.

You can park in the official car park right next to the monastery for 4 eur (cash only) or for free along the road about 300 metres from the entrance.

Compare prices – book a car

Public transport

Direct minibuses from Sofia (Ovcha Kupel bus station in the south of the city) no longer run.

Services to Blagoevgrad have also been cancelled.

The only option for public transport is to take a bus or train from Sofia to Blagoevgrad or Kocherinovo, and then continue by taxi or hitchhiking.

Tourist transfer

The most reliable – and most expensive – option is to use travel agencies that organise day trips from Sofia to the Rila Monastery.

These trips are always guided and usually stop at Boyana Church as well.

Prices range from around 20 eur and I always compare prices via GetYourGuide. When I’ve tried local agencies in the centre of Sofia, they’ve almost always been more expensive (between 35 eur and 40 eur).

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