Bucharest to Rila

Bucharest to Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria. It is located about 120 km from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and stunning mountain scenery.

Language

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

Currency

The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (BGN). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels.

Distance

The distance from Bucharest to Rila Monastery is about 420 km. The drive takes about 6 hours.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Rila Monastery from Bucharest:

• By car: The drive from Bucharest to Rila Monastery takes about 6 hours. The route is well-maintained and there are several rest stops along the way.
• By bus: There are several bus companies that operate buses from Bucharest to Rila Monastery. The journey takes about 7-8 hours.
• By train: There are no direct trains from Bucharest to Rila Monastery. However, you can take a train from Bucharest to Sofia and then transfer to a bus to Rila Monastery.
• By plane: The closest airport to Rila Monastery is Sofia Airport (SOF). From Sofia Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Rila Monastery.

Expenses

The cost of visiting Rila Monastery will vary depending on your travel style and budget. However, here are some general estimates:

• Accommodation: There are several hotels and guesthouses near Rila Monastery. The average cost of a night's stay is around €20-30.
• Food: There are several restaurants and cafes near Rila Monastery. The average cost of a meal is around €10-15.
• Transportation: The cost of transportation to Rila Monastery will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. The average cost of a bus ticket is around €10-15.
• Entrance fee: The entrance fee to Rila Monastery is €5.

Best Time to Go

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

What to Eat

There are several traditional Bulgarian dishes that you can try near Rila Monastery. Some of the most popular dishes include:

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

Where to Go

In addition to visiting the main monastery building, there are several other things to see and do in the area:

• The Rila Monastery Museum: The museum houses a collection of artifacts from the monastery's history.
• The Rila Monastery Library: The library contains a collection of over 25,000 books and manuscripts.
• The Rila Monastery Icons: The monastery is home to a collection of over 1,000 icons.
• The Rila Monastery Mountains: The monastery is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. There are several hiking trails in the area.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Rila Monastery:

• Is it possible to visit Rila Monastery on a day trip from Bucharest?

Yes, it is possible to visit Rila Monastery on a day trip from Bucharest. However, the drive is long and it is recommended to start early in the morning.

• Can I stay overnight at Rila Monastery?

Yes, it is possible to stay overnight at Rila Monastery. There are several hotels and guesthouses near the monastery.

• Is there a dress code for visiting Rila Monastery?

Yes, there is a dress code for visiting Rila Monastery. Visitors are asked to dress respectfully and to cover their shoulders and knees.

• Can I take photos inside Rila Monastery?

Yes, you can take photos inside Rila Monastery. However, it is not allowed to take photos of the icons.