Hidden in the mountains

The Rila Monastery "Sveti Ivan Rilski" is the largest and most famous Eastern orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains, 117 km south of the capital Sofia at an elevation of 1147 m above sea level, inside of Rila Monastery Nature Park. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 - 946 AD), and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments. Don't forget to buy "Mekitsa" at the bakery close by.