In 1980 the International Federation of Travel Writers and Journalists (FIJEST) distinguished the Monastery with Golden Apple, the highest award for familiarization and cultural tourism. Check out your accommodation in Rila Monastery and the nearby area. The frescoes inside were created by the most famous and talented Bulgarian artists at the time. And outside we saw the Mamluk style porticos and a small fountain beside them. We couldnt enter inside, it was closed for tourists, although we saw few of them going out from there. A woman, called, Then we went to the neighboring building-. The oldest buildings in the complex date from this period - the Tower of Hrelja (13341335) and a small church just next to it (1343). The Bulgarian saint was born in the 70-th years of IX century. By car. Hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and subscriber rewards. A development plan is being prepared, and this will propose improvements for the communication and technical infrastructure to assist in preserving the property. It was built by the then widely known master builder Pavel from the village of Krimin who had worked on Mount Athos and from where he borrowed the notables. 6 Stories of Aliens and the Unexplained That Are Just Out of This World, 9 Summer Night Sky Stories From Our Readers to Warm the Heart, Mantua Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Pietro), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rila_Monastery, http://travellingbuzz.com/rila-monastery/, http://www.bgpanorama.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=51. The prints, graphic impressions upon copper plates of wood, were of special significance for the popularization of the monastery and the history of its founder. Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information. Nevertheless, its mystery, beauty, and silence, combined with the wild mountain landscape around, remain until now. However, there are few other buses from Blagoevgrad (7:00, 12:00 and 15:00, back 8:10 and 17:00) and Dupnica. A small stone church was built initially here by . "Student Project #RILA 20142017". We have been to Rila Monastery many times and often find ourselves there. Prof. Mihail Enev (1997) announced, "Master Alexi Riletsworked in villages near Melnik and at many places in Macedonia. It waits there 2 hours and leaves the monastery back to Sofia at 15:00. The most convenient way to reach the monastery from Sofia is by car, which takes around 2 hours via the A3. Even the Sultana, Mara Brankovi, transferred the remains of St. Ivan of Rila from Sofia to Rila. It was just before the Ottoman Turks invasion to Bulgaria, when a local feudal lord, called Hrelja (), and served mainly to the king of Serbia, built a tower inside the monastery- it was the tower that we saw beside the church- the tallest building of the complex. Further inside the wall we passed through a smaller middle arc, finally through the inner arc, and entered the large monastery yard. the old books. In 1961, during the Communist rule, religious activities in the monastery were forbidden and the Rila Monastery was declared a museum. Another special place is the holy spring nearby with healing water, which broke out after the prayers of the saint. It was not too old, being built in the 19th century, but as the all other buildings of the complex, very beautifully decorated. Founded in the 4th-century, the town of Pernik plays host to the Surva Carnivala magnificent display of masked Kukeri dancers. Your guide to Bulgarian food and how to avoid bad experiences, Night in the museum: Hotel Hebros, Plovdiv Old Town, Topola Skies Resort and our active family holiday with children in Bulgaria, Bulgarian wine grape varieties popular and lesser-known, Zlaten Rozhen wine cellar, Bulgaria where alchemy happens. It is the biggest and the most respected Bulgarian monastery. So he just bowed to the king from distance, the king sent gifts by a soldier, including food, gold, and many other precious things. The central iconostasis is the work of a group of woodcarvers who worked under the supervision of Atanas Teladour. - Vita of St. John of Rila BUILT IN 1335, the tower (pyrgos) at Rila monastery is best known for the murals in its top-story chapel (1335-42-), including representations of the Divine Wisdom, hagiographic scenes of St. John of Rila, and illustrations of the Ainoi or laudatory Psalms 148-o50. . The exhibits are thematically grouped and After a devastating fire, it was rebuilt and fortified ( c. 1334-35) in its present location by the feudal lord Khrelio (also spelled Hrelyo or Hreljo). The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international communitys efforts to protect and preserve. See full list:Get discounts for day tours from Sofia, In Bulgarian language Rila Monastery is known as (Rilski Manastir). This time we had to back down to the lowlands, proceeding to other interesting places in Bulgaria. It was built by "protomaster . Its construction began in 1835. The first Christian monastery in Bulgaria, Rila was founded by the hermit John of Rila (Yoan of Rila, in Bulgarian Ivan Rilski), who is the traditional patron saint of Bulgaria. Destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century, the complex was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862. The colours of this huge iconostasis are in harmony with the rich colours of the interior. However, the majority of the complex that is seen today traces its roots back to the 19th century, when the site was rebuilt following a devastating fire. Visit the Christian Rila Monastery tucked high in the Rila massif of the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rila-Monastery, UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Rila Monastery. Rila Monastery is regarded as a symbol of Bulgaria; it even has a place on their currency. It is a wonderful budget guesthouse and the host Peter will make you feel home. Occasionally they can be spotted in their black cloaks and hats walking across the courtyard, sometimes with a cat following. of icon painters decorated the church which had been redesigned in 1478. The students built the monastery to have a place to stay when they went to him to study. One of these is Rila Monastery ( Rilski Manastir) one of the holiest places in Bulgaria, established by the heavenly protector of the Bulgarians Saint John of Rila in the 10th century. Iceland in Summer: Journey Through a Fabled Land, Peru: Machu Picchu and the Last Incan Bridges, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Freemasons, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Spring-Heeled Jack, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: Gilles de Rais, Tiny Ecosystems: Making Terrariums With the Terrorium Shop, An Introduction to Sensory History With Carolyn Purnell, Session Cocktails: Low-Alcohol Mixology With Derek Brown, Thrills & Chills: Horror Story Writing With Nino Cipri, Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tale Writing With Anca Szilgyi. Most of them have illuminations which show the Bulgarian tradition in that art. It is located in Rila valley, on 1140 m altitude, deep between Northwest Rila range and Brichebor range. It stands where the cave in which the hermit lived is and where he was initially buried. The exposition includes the early historical and ecclesiastical collection of the monastery, some books of the monastery library and many copies of wall paintings that have been destroyed, icons, The monastery prospered during the next few centuries, kings made visits and sent gifts to it, until the 14th century. Its architect is Pavel Ioanov, who worked on it from 1834 to 1837. The surviving frescoes are a Fot centuries the Rila Monastery has been the centre of intensive literacy activities. were printed in the Venice printing house which was established in 1619, many Russian old printed books, several of very rare editions that were printed in Vilno, of the Kievan-Pechora Laura, The National Revival Period transformed the Rila Monastery into a major educational and cultural centre of the Bulgarian lands. It was very silent inside, as in every Orthodox church. Its history dates back more than 1000 years ago. From the monastery, you can proceed to ascend deep into Rila valley to Fish lakes (Ribni, Further, in the valley you can find rooms in Kirilova, the best of them is the family hotel At Uncle Kiro (Pri Chicho Kiro, ), for 40 and 45 leva per room in, chalet. It was painted in 1798-1799 when carvers from Bansko carved wooden iconostasis. Rila monastery is the largest monastery of Bulgaria and one of the largest Orthodox monasteries in the world. The size and composition of the iconostasis are unrivaled in the Balkans. From the monastery, you can proceed to ascend deep into Rila valley to Fish lakes (Ribni ezera), Kobilino branishte pass or Iliyna river to the south. There were a big church and a Middle ages tower beside it. A bit further to the east is the rock from which st. John sent his prayers to God. The output of the latter was large. Rila Monastery Bulgaria is an UNESCO Heritage Site built 3700 feet above sea level is dedicated to St Ivan Rilsky who had lived in a small cave in the mountains here, after giving up the pursuit of material wealth and had committed his life towards healing and helping people with his miracles. We will send you the latest TV programmes, podcast episodes and articles, as well as exclusive offers from our shop and carefully selected partners. Protections by other conservation instruments, Rila Monastery (Bulgaria) Rila monastery is located on trekking route junction. There are only a few mountain huts for rest, as well as picnic sites here. During the Ottoman Turkish occupation (14th19th century) and the accompanying cultural domination of Bulgaria by Greece, Rila again flourished, in part owing to its isolation from Ottoman power centres. Its not so convenient since there is only 1 bus from Sofia at 10:20 am, which arrives at the monastery at 13:00. The past 100 years have not been easy for the monastery. Why Was Charlie Chaplin Investigated by the FBI? First, he was a herder but later became a church priest. Rila Monastery is the most important architectural monument in the mountain range. Widely acknowledged as one of the most important cultural and religious places in Bulgaria, the Rila Monastery was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. In addition, there are over 30 other buildings that make up the complex including three museums - History, Folk Art and Natural History. Its beautifully decorated in white-black stripes and is home of the monks and priest living here. It is a . They are destinations themselves. cave which he occupied. - The Protected areas Law (Official Gazette No133 of 1998 with amendments) - National Park Rila; Natural Park "Rila Monastery"; Rila Monastery Forest, was proclaimed for natural reserve in 1986; - Forest law (Official Gazette No125 of 1997 with amendments); - Management plan of Nature Park "Rila Monastery" has been operational since 2003. The literary school evolved into an educational institution where the museum collections, conservation and restoration of the wall paintings and the architectural heritage. There is the highest mountain in the country and whole Balkans- Rila () mountain, with its highest peak Musala (2925 m). during the 18th and 19th centuries. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. But in 1833 fire ravished the complex and left only Hreliovs Tower standing near the Rilska River. The white brick archways and polished wooden balconies of the interior of the polygon surround a spacious courtyard paved with flagstones. No matter where we travel, whether the place is close or far, known or unknown, its history always leaves a trace inside us. It was the oldest survived building of the monastery. The present look of Rila Monastery dates back to 19th century. The repositories keep most of handmade copper printing plates and prints produced While the monastery has been existing, it was many times rebuilt, destroyed and So, we entered the main entrance, and the first building that stood in front of us was the Main church. ( ) . Take the train from Dupnitsa to Sofia. The second church of the ensemble, the Shroud of the Virgin, was put up in 1805 over the holy fountain by the builders Mihail and Radoitsa from the village of Rila. It also attracted a large number of pilgrims. Winner will be selected at random on 07/01/2023. It is in the shape of a hollow pyramid whose walls are built by octahedrons which grow smaller. Often, these monasteries were built in remote places, so many of them have the look and feel of a small fortress, capable of defending against raiders. Its convenient if you want to proceed hiking from Rila monastery or Kirilova polyana, crossing the surrounding mountain ranges and exit from the mountain on its other side. He worked on it about 12 years in the 19th century and made a rich masterpiece of carvings, using magnifying lenses and fine burins. From them you need to take a bus to Rila Monastery. It is traditionally thought that the monastery was founded by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila, whose name it bears, during the rule of Tsar Peter I (927-968). Today, the Rila Monastery is formed of a large outer rectangle of cloisters and accommodation chambers encircling the large domed Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, which stands within. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. In the centre of the courtyard is a domed church, which is admired for its colourful frescoes and its iconostasis (sanctuary partition) of carved wood. In the course of several years, at the cost of great effort, to quote Neophit Rilski, they completed the church Ioan of Rila with miniature scenes from his life, and the monastery itself with the main sketae and metochia along the rive Rilska. The carving However, soon after that, a new age for the monastery began. national calamity and soon people began sending donations for the monasterys restoration. The cave of the hermit keeps is a very special place itself. The monastery grounds are extensive, and the wall and outbuildings enclose an area several acres in size. April 14, 2010 0 Comments ?> Rila Monastery is a Bulgarian monastery, one of the most important cultural monuments in Bulgaria, a symbol of the country included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Rila Monastery was founded in the 30-th years of X century on the place of the Old Anchoress in Rila Mountain. But most famous of them is the Rafails cross. But you will like the Stob village. with them. You will recognize it by the long queue outside and the delicious smell of warm bread and pastries. What Are the Worlds Roundest and Most Rectangular Countries? The Rila Monastery was founded in the 30-th years of X century on the place of the Old Anchoress in Rila Mountain. , Klisura through Seven lakes and Govedarci through Malyovica. Alongside the cathedral is the oldest part of the complex, the 14th century Hrelyu Tower, which is named for the nobleman who built it. Large-scale building work began some time during mid-18th century and after 1816 the monastery already had high solid residential buildings which enclosed the courtyard in the shape of an Rila Shuttleis offering several shuttle options from Sofia to Rila Monastery and also combinations with other destinations including Rila Lakes,Plovdiv, Boyana Church and others. Thus very naturally it acquired the functions of a public library and paved the way to the community centre libraries which became very common during the National Revival. The beautiful main church in the middle was erected in 1834 1838. With its architecture, frescos etc. The Rila Monastery Library manuscript collection comprises Slavic and Greek records dating from the 11th to mid-19th century. Places where we have found an extraordinary mix of unique location, superb cuisine, interesting and unexpected amenities, incredible views, history, special attitude. In the 18th and 19th centuries Rila was a cradle for the National Revival of Bulgaria. This is proved by the remains of solid walls in the southwestern corner of the monastery courtyard unearthed during archeological excavations and also by the prominent tower which still Your email address will not be published. prints, vestments and church plate. But Ivan accepted only a small portion of the food. Here everything is bigger to harmonize with the large space inside the church. Lucy Davidson 22 Jul 2021 @LuceJuiceLuce Image Credit: Shutterstock About Rila Monastery There are some things of our motherlands that only by this way we can discover. It was later destroyed by a fire and rebuilt between 1834 and 1862. In 2008 alone, it attracted 900,000 visitors. September and October are beautiful too when the leaves of the forest mix in various colors from yellow to red and green. Work on this piece of art lasted not less than 12 years before it was completed in 1802, when the monk lost his sight. Along with other church properties, the monastery fell under direct control of the post-World War II communist regimes. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church regained its title to Rila subsequent to the fall of Todor Zhivkovs communist government in 1989, and the succeeding government formally reinstated the complex as a monastery in 1991. Within its imposing frame are hundreds of dormitory rooms and halls, as well as archives and museums of history and ethnography. experience of several generations of carvers who founded the Bulgarian school of wood carving. In 1820 it was rebuilt and became what it is today. original spatial design of the church. Guided tour:If you are looking for something more than just transportation, try a guided tour. The management is carried out on the basis of: - Cultural Heritage Law (Official Gazette No 19 of 2009), and the by-law normative act, regulates the research, studying, protection and promotion of the immovable cultural heritage in Bulgaria, and the development of Conservation and Management plans for its inscribed World Heritage List of immovable cultural properties. It was whittled down by a monk named Rafail using fine burins and magnifying lenses to recreate 104 religious scenes and 650 miniature figures. Here the altitude is 1450 m already and spruce forest replaces the low mountain woods. Unless you prefer winter trekking, requiring winter gear. The Rila Monastery is considered to be one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural sites and therefore does attract a fair number of visitors every year. Its frescoes from 1795 are characteristic of the style of a group of Bulgarian artists who worked on Mount Athos From these old times, until now, Rila monastery has become the most important Bulgarian Orthodox monastery complex, and a popular tourist destination. Ivanovich built a main church, Nativity of the Virgin, in the quadrangle courtyard. Rila, Kyustendil Province. This is the Steke of St. Luke, also known as the New hermitage. The Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Despite there are many hotels and restaurants in the area, we always prefer to have the mekitsi with yoghurt.