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Arda to Rila Monastery

Updated: March 31, 2024 08:37 AM
Rila Monastery

Arda to Rila Monastery

The Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural and historical monuments in Bulgaria. It is located in the Rila Mountains, about 120 km southeast of Sofia. The monastery was founded in the 10th century by the hermit Ivan Rilski. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, but it has always remained an important center of Orthodox Christianity.

Language

The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currency

The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (BGN). 1 BGN is equal to about 0.51 USD.

Distance

The distance from Arda to Rila Monastery is about 120 km.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Rila Monastery from Arda.

  • By car: The drive takes about 2 hours.
  • By bus: There are several buses that run from Arda to Rila Monastery. The journey takes about 3 hours.
  • By train: There is a train that runs from Arda to Rila Monastery. The journey takes about 4 hours.

  • Click here for more information on how to get to Rila Monastery.

Expenses

The cost of visiting Rila Monastery is relatively low. The entrance fee is 10 BGN (about 5 USD). There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area where you can buy food and drinks.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Rila Monastery is during the spring or autumn. The weather is mild during these seasons, and the monastery is less crowded.

What to Eat

There are several restaurants and cafes in the area around Rila Monastery where you can buy food and drinks. Some of the local specialties include:

  • Banitsa: A pastry made with filo dough and filled with cheese, spinach, or meat.
  • Kebapche: Grilled minced meat sausages.
  • Shopska salad: A salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese.

Where to Go

In addition to the Rila Monastery, there are several other interesting places to visit in the area.

  • The Seven Rila Lakes: A group of seven glacial lakes located in the Rila Mountains.
  • The Belogradchik Rocks: A group of sandstone formations located in the town of Belogradchik.
  • The Vitosha Mountain: A mountain located just outside of Sofia.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Rila Monastery.

  • Is Rila Monastery open to the public?

    • Yes, Rila Monastery is open to the public. The entrance fee is 10 BGN (about 5 USD).

  • What are the visiting hours of Rila Monastery?

    • The visiting hours of Rila Monastery are from 9am to 5pm.

  • Is it possible to stay overnight at Rila Monastery?

    • Yes, it is possible to stay overnight at Rila Monastery. There are several guesthouses in the area where you can book a room.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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