Rila Monastery

The appearance of the Rila Monastery is connected with the life of John Rylsky, the Orthodox, who during his lifetime was counted as the Holy and revered as believers. At the beginning of the 10th century, the elder went to live in the foothills, followed by his students. After the death of John, a monastery was erected on the site of his modest cell. Not only believers, but also local authorities contributed to the construction.

For several centuries, the Rila Monastery remained a place of preservation of the cultural and linguistic values of the Bulgarian people. In the 19th century, a fire broke out on the territory, many buildings were very seriously damaged, some were completely destroyed. But, thanks to the active help of believers, the monastery was able to completely rebuild and repair, while giving it its former appearance. At the end of the 20th century, the Rila Monastery was contributed to the World Heritage Fund. At the same time, the monastery is currently active, less than 10 monks live in it.

Attractions

You can’t ignore the appearance of the monastery. Outside, the complex is most like an impregnable fortress, but, entering the courtyard through a round passage, everything is completely changing. A lot of arches, snow-white, elegant and sophisticated, in several floors. With neat carved fence decorated with contrast ornamentation.

In the central part of the courtyard, a tower rises, its top is decorated with stone teeth. Outwardly, it resembles a medieval fort and looks somewhat alien among the many slender arches.

And in the heart of the monastery courtyard is the Main Church, built it in the middle of the 19th century instead of a small old church. Outside and inside, the church is decorated with frescoes and paintings. Luxurious interior decoration cannot but admire. A majestic gilded iconostasis, many ancient icons, some of which are miraculous. And, of course, the relics of St. John of Rila is one of the most revered saints who is considered the patron of the Bulgarian people.

And on the territory of the Rila Monastery there is a library in which manuscript books are stored - monuments of Bulgarian writing. In the monastery museum you can find a collection of ancient icons, objects of medieval life and art.

Interesting facts

• The relics of St. John are considered miraculous, there is numerous evidence when people were healed of diseases by applying to them.
• A very interesting exhibit is stored in the museum at the monastery - the first Bulgarian globe.
• Visiting the monastery and all its attractions is completely free, tourists may have to pay for a parking space.
• The Rila monastery does not belong to the local diocese, but reports directly to the patriarch.

The monastery deservedly bears the title of the Treasurer of Bulgaria, not only Orthodox believers, but also tourists from all over the world, as well as residents of Bulgaria, strive for it.