Things to do in Rilski Manastir

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A beautiful monastery, it is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila. Very atmospheric and historic, Well worth a visit, but get there early otherwise there are long queues to enter.
Lovely viewing balcony, but we were not allowed up there due to repairs
I don't necessarily connect monasteries with religion. For me they are magical places ✨ Magical for their architecture, the atmosphere, the art and the minds behind all that. Can you imagine building a place like this deep into the woods... Only the people who had the need or the will used to visit them. ⠀ Now they are open to all of us and the best we can do is just to appreciate them!
The domes of the church "Nativity of the Virgin Mother" are one of the most distinguishable parts of the Rila Monastery.⠀ This is the main church in the monastery and was erected in 1837 after the demolishing of the original church.⠀ ⠀ The frescoes inside, the gold-plated iconostasis, the altars, and icons are amazing pieces of art! ⠀ ⠀ It was forbidden to take pictures inside the church but I can tell you - you will not get bored by the gold and the wood-carving! It's breathtaking! 🙌🏻🧡
Seeing the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila or the Rila Monastery I understand why it is one of the most famous and culturally important places in our country. It's an amazing place! ⠀ It is situated in the Rila mountains, highest mountain range in Bulgaria and was founded in the 10th century.

Rilski Manastir Attractions

Discover what makes Rilski Manastir tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Browse through our top {30 fun activities in Rilski Manastir fun activities in Rilski Manastir}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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What to do in Rilski Manastir

Things to Do in Rilski Manastir with Kids

Rilski Manastir boasts plenty of close by fun experiences for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the gang happy for hours.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Rilski Manastir? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Rilski Manastir

A beautiful monastery, it is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila. Very atmospheric and historic, Well worth a visit, but get there early otherwise there are long queues to enter.

Rila Monastery

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Rila Monastery is just one of the places to see in Rila, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time to visit the spas and monuments while you're in the area.

Rila Monastery

St Luke’s Hermitage & St Ivan’s Cave

You can find out about the history of Rila with a stop at St Luke’s Hermitage & St Ivan’s Cave. Make time to visit the spas and monuments while you're in the area.

St Luke’s Hermitage & St Ivan’s Cave

Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno

After visiting Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Rilski Manastir. Make time to visit the spas and temples while you're in the area.

Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno

Medi Valley Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Medi Valley Winery during your travels to Rila. Make time to visit the temples and monuments while you're in the area.

Medi Valley Winery

 

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Popular day trips from Rilski Manastir

Seeing the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila or the Rila Monastery I understand why it is one of the most famous and culturally important places in our country. It's an amazing place! ⠀ It is situated in the Rila mountains, highest mountain range in Bulgaria and was founded in the 10th century.

Rila

Frequently asked questions

Is Rilski Manastir worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Rilski Manastir is explore St Luke's Hermitage & St Ivan's Cave. Check this top sight off your agenda, then experience more of this area's history and culture.
How do I spend a day in Rilski Manastir?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to St Luke's Hermitage & St Ivan's Cave and Seven Rila Lakes. Then, tour other parts of Rilski Manastir for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rilski Manastir?
The top tourist attraction in Rilski Manastir is St Luke's Hermitage & St Ivan's Cave, so be sure to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Rilski Manastir?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, such as St Luke's Hermitage & St Ivan's Cave, Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery. The average stay in Rilski Manastir is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Bansko isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Rilski Manastir with kids?
Deciding what to do in Rilski Manastir with kids has never been simpler. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Rilski Manastir for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Rilski Manastir for adults.
Are there free things to do in Rilski Manastir?
From checking out parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Rilski Manastir. If you're looking for inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. St Luke's Hermitage & St Ivan's Cave is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.