Rinas to Rila Monastery

Rina's 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 Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity.

Language

The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. You will be able to get by with English in most situations.

Currency

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

Distance

The distance from Rina's to the Rila Monastery is about 120 km. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach the Rila Monastery from Rina's.

• By car: The easiest way to reach the monastery is by car. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• By bus: There are several buses that run from Rina's to the Rila Monastery. The journey takes about 3 hours.
• By train: There are no trains that run directly from Rina's to the Rila Monastery. However, you can take a train to Dupnitsa and then take a bus to the monastery.

Expenses

The cost of visiting the Rila Monastery is relatively low. The entrance fee is 10 BGN. You can also purchase a guided tour for an additional 5 BGN. Food and drinks are available at the monastery, but you can also bring your own.

Best time to go

The best time to visit the Rila Monastery is in the spring or fall. The weather is mild during these seasons, and the crowds are smaller.

What to Eat

There are several restaurants and cafes near the Rila Monastery. You can find a variety of Bulgarian and international dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Banitsa: A pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat
• Kebapche: Grilled minced meat
• Shopska salad: A salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese
• Tarator: A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic

Where to Go

In addition to the Rila Monastery, there are several other attractions in the area. These include:

• The Seven Rila Lakes: A group of seven glacial lakes located in the Rila Mountains
• The Rila National Park: A national park that is home to a variety of plant and animal life
• The town of Bansko: A popular ski resort town

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Rila Monastery.

• What are the visiting hours? The Rila Monastery is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
• Is it possible to stay overnight at the monastery? Yes, it is possible to stay overnight at the monastery. There are several guesthouses that offer rooms for rent.
• Is the monastery wheelchair accessible? Yes, the monastery is wheelchair accessible.
• Can I take pictures inside the monastery? Yes, you can take pictures inside the monastery. However, flash photography is not allowed.