The most majestic Bulgarian Mountain, highest peak Moussala (2,925 m); 219 high-mountain lakes, over 2,000 plant varieties and a rich animal world.
The natural setting for Bulgaria's most famous monastery - Rila Monastery, and the country's oldest winter resort - Borovets.
The Monastery grounds are open daily from about 6 am to 10 pm.Admission is free, there is however an entrance fee to the museum.Photos are not permitted in the main church, they are allowed anywhere else on the grounds.
Rila Monestry
This is Bulgaria's largest and most famous monastery, it is tucked away in a narrow and forested valley of The Rila Mountains. It is the most holy place in the country. It was founded in 1335, by Ivan Rilski, a leader of a monastic colony of hermits. The monestry is ringed by mighty walls, giving the outward impression of a fortress. However once you get through the gates this impression is dispelled by the immense beauty of the interior.
In the courtyard is the Tower of Khaelio which stands 74 feet high and, interestingly, at t
he top of the Tower there is a small vaulted chapel. The present buildings that make up the Rila Monastery are from the mid-19th century when Bulgaria experienced a renaissance. The original buildings burned. The monastery was always safe from Ottoman rule because of its high mountain location.
