Rila's Famous Monastery in Bulgaria

Hidden inside the forest, just 3 km away from the Rila Monastery, there is the place where St Ivan Rilski spent seven years of his life. For those who believe in spirituality, this is undoubtedly an incredible mystical experience not to be missed. It is said, that those who enter the cave and reach the other side are cleansed of all sins.
Before a sharp U-turn, you’ll see a wooden hut on the left side of the road and a water fountain on the right. This is where you can leave your car. You’ll continue by foot through the forest for roughly 15 minutes until you reach a small church and follow the signs from there to the cave.
This whole area and the path leading up to it has a definite energy that is hard to describe, but rather something that has to be felt while you are there. If you are sensitive to energy, you will no doubt pick up the sacred energy of the land.

Rila Monastery is one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers of Bulgaria. Founded in 10th century, it is also one of the oldest monasteries in the country. There are many tales of pilgrims’ mystical experiences that are encountered along the way to this magical place.
The monastery is also an important artistic example of the Bulgarian Slavic culture, which has served as an influence to all Christian nations within the Ottoman Empire. The strong Slavic cultural identity of the country can be clearly felt and seen here, making it one of the prides and joys of Bulgaria.
As you visit it, you will notice how important is the part the religion plays here. The walls of the monastery are covered by incredibly detailed artwork of heaven, hell and the earthly planes. There are certain parts of the monastery that do not allow filming, so be mindful when you take out your camera. Spend some time admiring this stunning place and learn all you can of the Bulgarian history and culture here.
Within the Rila monastery complex there is also a history museum, which contains a historical collection of 35 000 exponents, wood-carvings, ethnographic items and much more.
Be mindful of the dress code also, where you have to be covered to enter the main church.
Open Hours:
Main Monastery Church: Monday - Thursday: 06:30 - 19:00 Friday - Sunday: 06:30 - 19:30
Museum: 1 October – 31 May Monday – Sunday: 08:30 - 16:30
1 June – 30 September: Monday – Thursday: 08:30 - 16:30 Friday – Sunday: 08:30 - 19:30
For more information, visit the official website.

Stop off for an authentic Bulgarian lunch here, where they offer delicious Shopska salata, with a beautiful view of the river right by the restaurant.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 08:00 - 23:30

Park your car here to walk to the pyramids. Parking is free.

The stop pyramids are an interesting natural phenomenon of pyramid-like shaped rocks stacked all next to one another. When hiked to the top, you will be able to see it in its full glory. It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. Quite an interesting 30-min walk, that is fairly steep, but well worth the visit.

Park your car here to enjoy this charming little town of Bansko, with a lot of character. With cobblestoned streets and artistic design, this town is the perfect example of typical Bulgarian culture.

Visit the house museum, where you will be able to learn much about the social and political history of Bulgaria and this region. It contains artistic expressions of important point of the Bulgarian history that you can revisit though old photographs and writings.
Nikola Vaptsarov was considered one of the most important Bulgarian poets. He was also a revolutionary who took part in Socialism movement and wrote in poems such as Motorni pesni, that are still revered until this day. He is known as one of the revolutionary voices during the oppression days of Bulgaria.
Open hours: Wednesday, Saturday - Sunday: 08:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 17:30 Thursday - Friday, Monday - Tuesday: 08:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 18:30

Spend some time walking through the town. Enjoy the atmosphere of this authentic Bulgarian culture, food and souvenirs that cover the streets of every part of the town. In the background you can see the beautiful mountains that surround the town, making it a magical experience to walk through.

Visit this 19th century Holy Trinity Church that dominates the pedestrian Pirin Street in the Bansko center. It has a lovely bell tower and beautiful architecture inside and outside.

Stop off at this ancient sun clock, where you are able to see what time it is through the shadow cast upon the ground.

Finally, you can't leave the town without trying out their best dishes from the most popular restaurant of the region. They offer traditional Bulgarian cuisine, incredible Shopska salata, also try the bread with Bulgarian spice, the kyopolou, katuk, the BBQ sausage and the peach cake. All topped with wonderful atmosphere. Definitely a must if you visit here.
Open Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00 - 00:00 Monday - Tuesday: closed