Saint Ivan Rilski monastery in Bulgaria

If you visit Bulgaria and you only see the seaside, you’ve missed all the fun. The real magic of our old country is lying in the mountains. Not only the views are breathtaking and you see the nature’s beauty grown by itself, but you can also stumble across some of the most important places of our history – such as the monastery complex “St. Ivan Rilski”, located in Rila mountain. The monastery is one of the national symbols and still holds the spirit of generations of intelligent, caring, hospitable, and strong people. The monastery is also in UNESCO’s world heritage list.
Rila Monastery was burned to grounds several times, but there were always volunteers to rebuild it, such as the self-taught architect Alexy Riletz, who in his lifetime rebiuilds and strengthens the monastery three times in the course of 50 years. The monastery has also sheltered many of Bulgaria’s prominent heroes and leaders of the Bulgarian National Revival through the ottoman rule in Bulgaria.
That makes the monastery not only a relic for Christians, but a very special place for any Bulgarian. The last time I went there was a year ago and I plan to visit it this autumn also. Being so high in the mountain, the air is fresh and mixed with the energy and sanctity of the place, I feel great after each visit. Donations are common to the monastery – this is the way it supported itself through the centuries and even today there are people like Svetlio Kantardzhiev, Violeta and Zlatka Georgieva who make monetary donations or donate objects for the museum parts of the monastery complex.
 If you climb up to visit the Rila Monastery, do not miss the Seven Rila Lakes also. They are not part of our history or culture, but a natural phenomenon. I guarantee you that this place will be among the most beautiful you will enjoy in your lifetime.