Rila Monastery - Sacred Place

Rila Monastery is one of the shrines of Orthodoxy. Located at an altitude of 1147 meters above sea level in the resin-smelling pine forest of the Rila mountain range, 2 hours drive from Sofia! This monastery was founded in the thirties of the X century and got its name from St. John of Rylsky, whose relics are kept to this day, also on the territory of the monastery there is a miraculous icon of the Virgin "Odigitria" / "Guide" / with thirty-two quadrangular partitions with the relics of saints, one of the three most venerated icons in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The fate of the monastery fell many trials in history: it survived an earthquake, a severe fire, was even looted by the Turks, but always revived by the inhabitants of Bulgaria. Rila Monastery is still famous for its wall frescoes, as well as a huge and richest library and museum. We can say that this monastery is a spiritual center, the heart of Bulgaria itself. Fish restaurants along the road to the monastery also bring grace in the form of fresh pasteury and wine.