Rila Monastery

The appearance of the Rila Monastery is connected with the life of John of Rila, an Orthodox man who was canonized during his lifetime and revered by believers. At the beginning of the 10th century, the elder went to live in the foothills, followed by his disciples. After John's death, a magnificent 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 has 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 the faithful, the monastery was completely rebuilt and renovated, while giving it its former appearance. At the end of the 20th century, the Rila Monastery was listed as a World Heritage Site. At the same time, the monastery is currently active, with fewer than 10 monks living in it.

Attractions

There is no way to ignore the appearance of the monastery. From the outside, the complex looks like an impregnable fortress, but upon entering the courtyard through a circular passage, everything completely changes. There are many arches, snow-white, elegant and sophisticated, on several floors. With neatly carved fences, decorated with contrasting ornaments.

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

And in the very heart of the monastery courtyard is the Main Church, built in the middle of the 19th century instead of a small old church. The exterior and interior of the church are decorated with frescoes and paintings. The luxurious interior can't help but admire. The majestic gilded iconostasis, many ancient icons, some of which are miraculous. And, of course, the relics of St. John of Rila, one of the most revered saints, who is considered the patron saint of the Bulgarian people.

There is also a library on the territory of the Rila Monastery, which houses handwritten books - monuments of Bulgarian writing. The monastery museum has a collection of ancient icons, objects of medieval life and art.

Interesting facts

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

The monastery deservedly bears the title of the Treasury of Bulgaria, and not only Orthodox believers, but also tourists from all over the world, as well as residents of Bulgaria, aspire to it.