Visit Rila Monastery and discover its unique history, beautiful architecture, and stunning nature scenery around it. The Rila Monastery is the largest monastery in Bulgaria and a part of the UNESCO Heritage List.

Visit Rila Monastery and discover its unique history, its beautiful architecture, and the stunning nature scenery around it. The Rila Monastery is the largest monastery in Bulgaria and has been on the UNESCO Heritage List since 1983. The Rila Monastery is located 1147 meters above sea level in the foothills of Rila Mountain, 22 km from the town of Rila, and 122 km south of Sofia.

When you visit Rila Monastery, you will be delighted by the beautiful views of the Rila Mountains throughout your journey. The mountain part of the road goes through several villages and has many curves, therefore, you should be careful and drive slowly. Once you reach the end of the road, you will see a big parking spot and the massive and high walls of the Rila Monastery. When you get out of your vehicle, you will immediately feel the fresh mountain air. After going through the entrance of the Rila Monastery, you will be mesmerized by the gorgeous architecture of the Rila Monastery and the majestic view of the nature around it.

Walking around the Rila Monastery complex, you will discover the beauty and peacefulness of this sacred place. The Rila Monastery was established in the 10th century by the hermit Ivan Rilski and his students. However, the current form of the buildings at Rila Monastery dates from 1833. The monastery complex includes the main church, the Hreliova tower constructed in 1335 (the only remnant from the old monastery), 139 rooms, and 126 small kitchens adjacent to the rooms. In addition, the Rila Monastery has a big library and museum with more than 35,000 exhibits. Therefore, if you want to learn more about the long and interesting history of the Rila Monastery, you should definitely visit the museum.

After you visit the main church of the Rila Monastery and enjoy your time around the yard, you can also have a quick visit to the Old Bakery located on the backside of the monastery and have some hot mekichki. Mekichki are a typical deep-fried Bulgarian dish made of kneaded dough. I would suggest that you buy at least two: one for there and one for the way back after you finish your visit to the Rila Monastery.

Rila Monastery

Visit Rila Monastery and experience the wonders of the largest monastery in Bulgaria. Rila Monastery has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983.

Visit Rila Monastery located in Rila Mountains

Visit Bachkovo monastery and discover the wonderful frescoes and the divine views of the Rhodope Mountains. The Bachkovo monastery is the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria, and it was founded in 1083. 

Visit Bachkovo monastery and discover the wonderful frescoes and the divine views of the Rhodope Mountains. The Bachkovo monastery is the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria, and it was founded in 1083. The monastery is located on the right bank of the Chepelare River, near the small and charming village of Bachkovo, approximately 20 km south of Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria.

The journey to the Bachkovo monastery is through the Valley of the Chepelare River and reveals magnificent views of the Rhodope Mountains. When reaching the village of Bachkovo, there is a sign pointing towards the road to the monastery. The road to the Bachkovo monastery is narrow and has many small shops on both sides. The small shops offer various things, such as locally produced honey, handcrafted souvenirs, and other indigenous products. After you visit the Bachkovo Monastery, you can take a short walk and look around. You might find something interesting for you or a present for someone. After you pass through the narrow road, you will reach a big parking area in front of the entrance of the Bachkovo monastery. When you step out of the vehicle, no matter the season, the view around the monastery is astonishing. 

The Bachkovo monastery is surrounded by the high hills of the Rhodope Mountains. During the spring and summer, you will enjoy the freshness and the greenery of the mountain; during the autumn, you will be delighted by the colorful magic that the Rhodope Mountains has to offer; and during the coldest season, when everything is covered with snow, it can simply be described as "winter wonder." The Bachkovo monastery itself is recognized and appreciated for its representation of the unique combination of Byzantine, Georgian, and Bulgarian cultures, united by a common faith.

The Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary is the oldest preserved building, and it is dated to 1604. The Church of the Virgin Mary is also the place where the icon of the Virgin Mary, Eleusa, is kept. The icon is from 1310 and, according to legend, is a wonder-working. From the inside, the church is decorated with very beautiful frescoes. A visit to the Bachkovo monastery can be described as a delightful experience where you will discover the peacefulness and beauty of this sacred place.

Bachkovo Monastery

Encounter the unique atmosphere of the Bachkovo monastery and enjoy the dazzling views of the Rhodope Mountains. 

Discover the wonderful Bachkovo Monastery

Visit Troyan Monastery and connect with the beautiful nature of the Balkan mountains. The Troyan Monastery is the third largest monastery in Bulgaria, and it is situated in the northern part of Bulgaria near the charming town of Troyan.

Visit Troyan Monastery and connect with the beautiful nature of the Balkan mountains. Troyan Monastery is the third largest monastery in Bulgaria, and it was founded in the 16th century. The Troyan monastery is situated near the village of Oreshak, in the northern part of Bulgaria. The village is approximately 10 kilometers from the charming town of Troyan.

Regarding the visit to the Troyan Monastery "Dormition of the Theotokos,"  it will take you approximately 15 to 25 minutes to reach the monastery from the town of Troyan. There is a big parking area in front of the monastery. From there, you will enter the spacious yard of the Troyan Monastery, surrounded by the hills of the Balkan Mountains. The Troyan Monastery was founded in 1600 by several Athonian hermit monks. The monastery was beautifully decorated with frescoes between 1847 and 1849 by a famous painter, Zahari Zograph.  Throughout its existence, the Troyan Monastery served as a center for spiritual enlightenment and literacy.

During the national revival period, in the middle of the 18th century, a cell school was functioning. At certain periods, the Troyan Monastery was a haven for the biggest national hero and freedom fighter, Vasil Levski. Since the 17th century, in Troyan Monastery is kept one of the holiest icons in Bulgarian Orthodoxy, the Three-Handed Virgin. The Troyan Monastery and the region of Troyan are suitable for visits throughout the entire year. You will have the opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of this astonishing place in the Balkan Mountains.

A visit to the Troyan region can give you the pleasant feeling of disconnecting from the stressful and busy lives of the big cities and connecting with the many nature activities provided by the region. For instance, not far from the Troyan Monastery is the village of Chiflik, known for its hot thermal springs and spa facilities. In addition, there are several nature reserves not far from the Troyan Monastery. You can also visit some of the museums in Troyan and take a pleasant walk around town.

Troyan Monastery

Visit Troyan Monastery, the third largest monastery in Bulgaria, and connect with the beautiful nature of the Balkan Mountains.

Visit Troyan Monastery - Enjoy the wonders of Troyan Balkan

Visit the Rozhen Monastery, located in the foothills of Pirin Mountains, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the region. The Rozhen Monastery is located near the adorable town of Melnik, in southwestern Bulgaria.

Visit the Rozhen Monastery, located in the foothills of Pirin Mountains, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the region. The Rozhen Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God is the fourth largest monastery in Bulgaria, and it is located near the adorable town of Melnik, in southwestern Bulgaria.

The journey for the visit of the Rozhen monastery is through the captivating Earth Pyramids of Melnik located in the Pirin Mountains. When traveling to the Rozhen monastery you pass through the town of Melnik, which is considered the smallest town of Bulgaria and it is known for its gorgeous nature, adorable atmosphere and distinct grape variety. After the town of Melnik, there is a narrow mountain road that goes through several small villages, one of which is the village of Rozhen. Nevertheless, on your journey for the visit of the Rozhen monastery, you will see signs that direct you towards the monastery. When reaching the end of the road, there is a big parking area in front of the monastery.

Before you visit the Rozhen monastery, take a moment to enjoy the spectacular view of the high hills of Pirin Mountains and the captivating Earth Pyramids. Regarding the Rozhen monastery, the true date of its foundation is unknown; however, archaeologists have found some evidence from the medieval period dated to the 13th and 14th centuries. For instance, the marble frieze above the central gate of the church is dated to the 14th century. This signifies that the main church was constructed before the 15th century. Some of the oldest frescoes in the Rozhen monastery preserved until today date from 1597. However, the first written evidence for the existence of the Rozhen monastery dates from 1551.

The yard of the Rozhen monastery is charming and picturesque, with some flowers and grapevines around. The visit to the Rozhen monastery and the walk around give you a pleasing sense of the cosiness and peacefulness of this beautiful spiritual place. Therefore, every year, many people visit Rozhen monastery, not just for the Christian holidays but also to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity that the monastery has to offer its visitors.

Rozhen Monastery

Visit Rozhen Monastery, situated in the foothills of Pirin Mountain near the town of Menik. Discover the peacefulness of the Rozhen monastery region.

Visit Rozhen Monastery. Enjoy the Captivating Earth Pyramids

Visit the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, part of the UNESCO Heritage List since 1979. The rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are located in the northeastern Bulgaria, approximately 20 km south of Ruse.

Visit the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, part of the UNESCO heritage list since 1979. The rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are located in the northeastern Bulgaria, approximately 20 km south of the city of Ruse. The rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are on the banks of the Rusenski Lom River situated on the high rocks elevated 32 metres above the river. The rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo represent a monastery complex with chapels and monolithic churches.

The journey for the visit of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo is through the small village of Ivanovo located nearby the monastery complex. When you reach the village, there is a sign pointing towards the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo and the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. The road goes through the Rusenski Lom Nature Park, thus you will enjoy beautiful views of the Rusenski Lom river valley. The road itself is narrow and approximately 4.5 kilometres long. At the foothills of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo have a small parking area where you can leave your vehicle. The parking area reveals a majestic view of the rock, where the main church of the Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo is located. 

There are two footpaths for the visit of the main church of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. The first one is through stairs that goes directly to the main church and the second one goes through the panoramic view of the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. I would recommend that you take the second path. It is not very long, neither steep, however, when you reach the panoramic terrace, you will enjoy the magnificent view of the river valley. After you enjoy the view, you can head towards the entrance. It will take no more than few minutes. You need to pay a small fee before you enter for the visit of the main church of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. The entrance is very impresive, as it is dug into the rocks.

There is a person inside the church that can give you a detailed explanation concerning the history and the uniqueness of the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. The importance and the fame of the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo is because of the invaluable and well-preserved beautiful frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as the distinct and unique architectural style of the monastery complex. 

Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo

Visit the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo located near the city of Ruse. The rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo are part of the UNESCO heritage list since 1979. 

Visit the Rock Hewn Churches of Ivanovo

Visit the cave of Saint Ivan Rilski located near the Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains. The cave was the home of Saint Ivan Rilski the last five years before his blissful passing  and the place he used to live before the establishment of the Rila Monastery.

Visit the cave of Saint Ivan Rilski, located near the Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains. The cave of Saint Ivan Rislki is one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria, as it was the home of Saint Ivan Rilski for the last five years before his blissful passing and the place he used to live before the establishment of the Rila Monastery.

After you visit the Rila Monastery, take the road behind the monastery, the cave of Saint Ivan Rilski is located approximately 3-5 kilometers from the monastery. You will arrive in an area in the forest with signs pointing towards the cave of Saint Ivan Rilski. You can leave your vehicle there and take the path in the forest. The hike towards the cave of Saint Ivan Rilski is approximately 20 minutes, with some steep and rocky areas along the path. Nevertheless, there are signs pointing to the cave, and the path in general is not very difficult to walk through, however, be sure that you have comfortable shoes suitable for the forest. Reaching the end of the path, you will arrive in front of "The Passing of St. Ivan" chapel. 

The construction date of the "St. Ivan" chapel is unknown, however, it was remodeled in 1820, and the feast day is celebrated on the 18 of August. The cave of Saint Ivan Rilski is on the right side of the chapel, you will see a sign pointing towards the cave. Narrow stairs lead to the cave's narrow entrance, where Saint Ivan lived. The cave itself is small and dark, thus, you should have some flashlight. On the right side in the cave, there are wooden stairs going to the other exit/entrance of the cave. However, the second entrance is very narrow.

After you go out of the cave of Saint Ivan Rilski and go a bit further, you will see a small spring. Climbing after the spring, you reach the prayer rock that reveals a marvelous view of the Rila Mountains. When you walk around the cave, the spring, and the praying rock, you will see folded pieces of paper stuck into the walls and rocks where people write down their wishes.

Saint Ivan Rilski cave

Visit Saint Ivan Rilski cave, located near the Rila Monastery in the Rila Mountains. The cave of St. Ivan Rilski is one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria

Visit Saint Ivan Rilski Cave near Rila Monastery

Visit Dragalevtsi Monastery, nestled in the Vitosha Mountains near Sofia, and enjoy the fresh mountain air and the beautiful views around the monastery. The Dragalevtsi monastery was founded in the middle of the 14th century.

Visit Dragalevtsi Monastery, nestled in the picturesque Vitosha Mountains just 3 kilometers south of Sofia, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, the lush greenery, and the beautiful views of the area. The Dragalevtsi monastery was founded in the middle of the 14th century by Bulgarian tsar Ivan Alexander, and nowadays it has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Dragalevtsi Monastery, also known as "The Monastery of the Holy Mother of God of Vitosha," has a long and interesting history. As mentioned, the Dragalevtsi monastery was founded in the middle of the 14th century by the Bulgarian king Ivan Alexander, nevertheless, it was demolished at the end of the 14th century and reestablished in the late 15th century. Some of the frescoes in the monastery date to the 15th century, when the monastery was rebuilt. Since then, the Dragalevtsi monastery has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries, making it a unique architectural complex. 

One of the most captivating features of Dragalevtsi Monastery is its architectural design. The monastery complex is a harmonious blend of different architectural styles that was created over the centuries. The stunning frescoes that adorn the church's walls are a testament to the remarkable artistry of the time. The Dragalevtsi monastery has served as a center for spirituality and culture, with its library and art collection holding a wealth of historical and artistic significance. In addition, the monastery's location within Vitosha Mountain's foothills makes it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Surrounded by lush forests, the area offers numerous hiking trails and opportunities for nature activities.

Visiting Dragalevtsi Monastery, you can embark on treks to explore the beautiful landscape of the Vitosha Mountains and enjoy other unique places such as Boyana Church, which is part of the UNESCO Heritage, Golden Bridges natural stone river, Boyana Waterfall, and hike to the "Black Peak," which is the highest peak of the Vitosha Mountains.

Dragalevtsi Monastery

Visit Dragalevtsi Monastery near Sofia and enjoy the unique frescoes from the 15th century, lush green areas, and fresh air of the Vitosha Mountains