Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery
5
About
Founded in the 10th century, this monastery was restored in the 15th and again in the 19th century.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
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Restaurants
3 within 5 kms
Attractions
1 within 10 kms
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Popular mentions
5.0
1,903 reviews
Excellent
1,514
Very good
322
Average
57
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Nick
Varna, Bulgaria7 contributions
Oct. 2021
Great to have the foreign customers here. A self-guided tour helped us a lot thanks to VisitBulgariaOn. Great stuff!
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Konstantin K
Varna, Bulgaria8 contributions
Aug. 2021 • Family
The most beautiful and inspiring monetary I’ve ever seen! Don’t miss the chimney in the museum as well as the food. Everything here is amazing.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew S
San Francisco, CA20 contributions
Jul. 2021 • Family
The Monastery and grounds were outstanding and beautiful. However almost the entire staff were intolerably rude and obnoxious. Without a doubt all who visit this Monastery are expected and should be respectful of the holy grounds they are on. However such devoted religious staff and personnel should at the very least be the same if not more tolerable than the average person. Instead most of them are hypocritically not. For example while in the main church I thought it would be more respectful to keep my hands in my pocket so that they wouldn’t think I was going to physically touch anything. Instead one of the staff passed by me slapping my arm. Another guest visiting the site said that he was slapping my arm to get me to take my hands out of my pocket because it was in their opinion disrespectful. I think there is a better way to get his point across without his unwarranted physicality which under other circumstances would have triggered a less discreet me to have decked him. Then there was the accountant who refused to accept our online payment for the museum because she couldn’t understand the bar codes. I showed her proof that we had prepaid for the museum…and she insulted us. I said that if she wasn’t going to let us in if she could just write down her name and state that she refused our payment as an acceptable entry fee…we could get our money back. So she refused entry and refused to write a simple note. When I told her that I could just film her refusing our entry, she walked away and hid behind a post like a child. I told her that I could see her…but she just kept standing behind the post. It was both unbelievable and hysterical that an adult could act this way. The bottom line is…go there…admire the beautiful grounds and structures…take your pictures and get the f out of there. Oh and by the way men can wear shorts but women cannot enter their precious hallowed grounds without pants or leg coverings. Good luck all!!!
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
desimgmG
Sofia, Bulgaria3,690 contributions
Jul. 2020
Rila Monastery is one magical place in Bulgaria, which everyone person must see! Rila monastery is my favourite monastery. My pics are from 03rd of July 2011.
Written 3 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Yanko H.
Sofia, Bulgaria473 contributions
Sep. 2020 • Couples
Rila monastery is the biggest in Bulgaria and the most repaired and renewviert. It is absolutely sure in top 5 of the most beautiful and must see objects. You have to visit. No entrance ticket. Parking is 5BGN, but you can park 100 meters before the parking without paying.
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ryan J
Los Angeles, CA152 contributions
Nov. 2019
This monastery is located where nature meets religion. So beautiful the craftsmanship is gorgeous, it is like a museum on the walls and ceiling. The whole monastery is full of history and story. I cant stop admiring the work of arts on the walls and ceiling. And they have local bakeshop where you can order Mekitsi so delicious. This century old snack is awesome.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joost G
Amsterdam, The Netherlands655 contributions
Jul. 2020 • Couples
The monastery is simply beautiful (free entry) and nicely positioned in its green surroundings. You can enter the main building (definitely worth it) and climb the tower next to it (5BGN, not worth the effort). Even when busy, it’s not crowded inside due to the complex being rather big.
Regardless of how nice the monastery is, parking is horrible. Parkings near the building are tiny and packed, and finding the next parking involves over a kilometer of bobbing and weaving on a narrow road between people walking on the road, cars parked on the side of the road and other traffic. Then if you find a spot (if) it’s a return trip back to your parking spot on foot.
Surely it’s better when not that busy, but on a busy day parking is inadequate at best.
Regardless of how nice the monastery is, parking is horrible. Parkings near the building are tiny and packed, and finding the next parking involves over a kilometer of bobbing and weaving on a narrow road between people walking on the road, cars parked on the side of the road and other traffic. Then if you find a spot (if) it’s a return trip back to your parking spot on foot.
Surely it’s better when not that busy, but on a busy day parking is inadequate at best.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
G_lo
Tel Aviv, Israel10 contributions
Jun. 2020
Beautiful, ancient place full with history and icons. I want to visit this place again next time when i go there. Have a positive energy.
Written 18 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Крис С
Varna, Bulgaria2 contributions
May 2020 • Friends
This is the most beautiful place in Bulgaria, to visit, it brings a lot of possitive energy, ans it makes me feel calm!
Written 16 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Czechmate
Pilsen, Czech Republic29 contributions
Jan. 2020
First and foremost, be respectful. We saw girls in low crop tops, men in short running shorts, people sticking cameras right in monks faces - who wasted no time in expressing their sincere objection. This is a monastery, and these people have dedicated their lives to this place. Walk slowly, please speak softly, and show the utmost respect and remember you are lucky to be allowed to visit such a fantastic place!
Written 11 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alexandre V
Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria1 contribution
How can somebody get to the Rila monastery from Sapareva Banya, by public transportation? We are not able to rent a car
Garen K
81 contributions
Is it worth going Sundays? Will it be too crowded? Will some areas of the monastery be closed off?
Ivan Stoev
1 contribution
During the weekends it is more crowded. However the monastery works at 1/10 of its potential so it there is plenty room for everyone.
Μένω στο ξενοδοχείο scottys στο κέντρο της Σοφίας. Θέλω να επισκεφθώ τη μόνη Ριλα. Πόσα στοιχίζει το ταξί μετεπιστροφης; είμαστε 4 άτομα.
pasear2015
Montevideo Department, Uruguay91 contributions
Perdón , no entiendo el idioma
Quizás en inglés ?
Podría ayudarle
Srg83
Madrid, Spain53 contributions
Is this monastery opened on 29th april?
Viajandoxpoco
Bilbao, España703 contributions
Yes, sure
rosannamarcello
Genoa, Italy159 contributions
vorrei prenotare una visita al monastero con guida in italiano e prelievo in albergo. avete indirizzi a cui rivolgersi? grazie
Francesco B
Tremestieri Etneo, Italy374 contributions
Ciao, ho fatto l'escursione con la Società Traventuria, ma con guida inglese.
i would like to spend 5 days in the monastery for some peace and quiet and discernment.
yes, I would like to know how i can stay in the monastery for 5 days where I can have peace and quiet. inside RILA. I understand the monastery take in people for this reason. thanks
j00st78
Sofia, Bulgaria250 contributions
Yes you can, the reception is right next to the museum, and the check-in hours are from 2pm until 5pm. One night is 15 EURO (30 LEVA). It's very basic but good
rjaffelieb
Jerusalem, Israel187 contributions
Where can you stay adjacent to the monastery?
DoctorJoeE
North Caldwell, NJ387 contributions
You can actually stay at the monastery itself -- very spartan rooms -- but they are intended more for people seeking retreat and solace, rather than tourists. Nevertheless, it's a place to stay in a pinch, if everything nearby is booked.
Alice4C
Barcelona, Spain62 contributions
Does anyone know if there are buses between Rila monastery and Blagoevgrad, and what is the timetable?
maevans70
Fairfax Station, VA391 contributions
There is a Rila Monastery Bus check their web site, phone 02-489-0883. Also buses from Sofia's central bus station.
Do not forget to stop at one of the restaurants and have fresh caught fish!
Frequently Asked Questions about Rila Monastery
- We recommend booking Rila Monastery tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 73 Rila Monastery tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Rila Monastery:
- Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip from Sofia (From AU$40.23)
- Private Self-guided tour in Rila Monastery (From AU$9.64)
- Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia (From AU$64.34)
- Full-Day Rila Monastery, the cave of St.Ivan and Boyana Church Tour from Sofia (From AU$47.44)
- Motorcycle day tour to Rila monastery (From AU$207.53)
- Hotels near Rila Monastery:
- (0.23 km) Hotel Tsarev Vrah
- (0.46 km) Hotel Neven
- (0.46 km) Rilets Resort & Spa
- (0.08 km) Hotel Pri Mecho
- (1.31 km) Camping Bor
- Restaurants near Rila Monastery:
- (0.12 km) Rila Monastery Restaurant
- (4.40 km) Han Dqvolski Vodi
- (3.31 km) Restaurant PCHELINA
- (7.58 km) Tavern Restaurant Gorhim
- (12.61 km) Restaurant Valdis
- Attractions near Rila Monastery:
- (0.07 km) Audioguide Bulgaria
- (9.07 km) Rila National Park
- (11.88 km) Aqua Park