Rila Monastery

"Located a two-hour drive away, Rila Monastery is one of the most famous tourist spots in Bulgaria and one of the country's UNESCO sites. If I had to choose just one place to visit, other than Sofia, this place would most likely be the one I would recommend. Its foundation dates back to the 10th century and during its history the monastery managed to survive the Turkish domination by overcoming numerous lootings and attacks. During your visit do not limit yourself to admiring its beautiful church and courtyard, like everyone else does. Inside the monastery there is a museum made up of 4 separate exhibitions: a historical museum, an ethnographic museum, an icon exhibition and a traditional Bulgarian room. Here you can decide whether to take four separate tickets or a single ticket which includes all four sections.( tickets for the museums can only be purchased on site). 📍Distance: 135km 👣How to get there: the most recommended option for tourists is to take part in an organized tour that includes the Rila Monastery and the Boyana Church. But if you like to travel independently to reach the Rila monastery you can take the direct bus "Traventuria Rila Monastery Bus" ( which includes two stops (the Boyana Church and the Rila Monastery) from St Alexander Nevski Square to the monastery. 🎟️Ticket cost: monastery and church free, combined ticket for the museum 20 BNG (about €10).For tour prices see the link👇🏼"

"This is a day trip but is claimed to be one of the most important tourist attractions when visiting Bulgaria. It is one of the most sacred Orthodox monasteries that attract more than 900,000 believers, pilgrims, and tourists from across the world each year. Nestled in between the rolling mountains of Rila at an elevation of 1,147 m (3,763 ft) above sea level, covering more than 8.7 ha (940,000 sq ft), the monastery is considered to be the largest temple in the entire country. There is a bakery here too which is worth checking out."

"Marvel at the stunning architecture, vibrant frescoes, and serene courtyards of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spiritual and cultural landmark of Bulgaria. We had to chance to sleep there for a night and it was quite the experience."