Rila monastery is one of the biggest attraction of Bulgaria, it is a must see. Incredible building architecture in the Rila montain forest, if you get there early morning or late afternoon when there are not so many tourists, the atmosphere is really special... Visiting the place was one of the greatest experience in Bulgaria! There are orthodox monks living there and maintaining the building as also handling the tourists visiting the place. It is also possible to stay in the monastery, which I believe could be also a very special experience. We were staying in one of the places on the way in the walley, there are bungallow type of buildings and small lakes where forelle fishes are kept, which is worth to try for dinner.

Rila is the highest mountain in the Balkans (2925m). The monastery (1335) is a unique cloister for Europe owing to its place at a very high altitude (1150m) and remoteness (120km from Sofia). The Monastery was founded by the hermitage Ivan Rilski Goudotversts who settled in the 10th Century in the mountain.
The monastery is visited by pilgrims, especially Orthodox, from all over the world.

This is a different architecture, ambiance or whatever compared to all relative religious dwellings in Europe. This monastery is FIRST point of touristic attention in Bulgaria! It is a real holly place for orthodox christians and very spiritual place itself! They say, if you over slept the night of resurrection of Chriest in the monastery..you maybe cured by your illness...