Foto's

The Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila - a hermit who lived about a dozen years in a cave with no other shelter. The story goes that this tomb like place became a holy site and then was transformed into the monastic complex.

The monastery was largely destoryed by fire in the 19th century, but rebult in the mid 1800s. It is one of the largest and one of the most impressive monasteries I have been to (Bulgaria, Moldova & Romainia).

It is located in the Kyustendil province of Bulgaria; however, it seems most people mentally file it in a province of Sofia or Plovdiv since there are frequent day trips made from the cities.

It is possible to stay over night at the monastery; however, there does not seem to be a booking system. Perhaps this is so they can sift through the lodge seekers to allow the most devout pilgrims first.