The most impressive monument from the Bulgarian National Revival period rises amidst the rugged beauty of the
Rila mountains (Рила) at 1,147 masl. For its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history it is a popular tourist destination.
Rila Monastery Bulgaria |
|
The monastery is believed to have been founded by a hermit, John of Rila (St. Ivan of Rila) in the x c. It was rebuilt several times and during the Ottoman domination the monastery has acted as a centre of spiritual and cultural life for the Bulgarian nation. During the
National Revival period (xviii – xix c) the complex was reconstructed and renovated. The
present day look dates back to the xix c.
|
Rila Monastery Bulgaria
|
The entire complex is quite impressive for its size. The 4 floor residential buildings form a closed irregular quadrangle and it consists of more than 300 monks rooms. In the middle of the inner courtyard rises the five-domed church
‘the Nativity of the Virgin’ (xix c). Inside, three altar niches, two side chapels and a wooden iconostasis. The wall paintings are from xix c.
Rila Monastery Bulgaria |
|
The Hrelyo Tower, the oldest building of the complex, is an impressive stone tower built in xiv c. A small church, of the same period stands next to the tower. In xix century a belfry was added to the tower.
|
Rila Monastery Bulgaria
|
The exterior of the monastery is no less intriguing for its high and severe stone walls (reaching 4 floors and even more at some places) cut through by small windows reminding a military fortress.
The monastery offers accommodation while the area around it has grown into a developed tourist centre with plenty of restaurants and hotels.
Close to the monastery the Saint Ivan cave visited for many years
by people in order to be healed. Upon his death the body
of Saint Ivan did not decay and all those that visited his tomb were cured of their sicknesses. Saint Ivan remains are now exhibited in the main church.
Rila Monastery Bulgaria |
|
The monastery is inscribed in UNESCO list of Mankind Heritage sites.
|
|
|
