Head out of the city and visit the idyllic Rila Monastery and Boyana Church in the same day...
At the Rila Monastery
I booked my Sofia Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Day Trip tour with Viator, and although there are other sites where you can book this tour, the operator will be provided by Traventuria. The day trip costs just €35 per person and includes both transport and an English speaking tour guide.
Visit the UNESCO listed Rila Monastery in the idyllic Rila Mountains.
Admire the monastery courtyard and church, home to a magnificent iconostasis and frescoes.
Opt to visit the monastery museum and make the most of your free time to explore independently.
Explore the UNESCO listed Boyana Church to see its stunning medieval frescoes.
Immerse yourself in the charming beauty of two of Bulgaria’s most spectacular sights on a full day trip from Sofia. Admire the natural splendour of rural Bulgaria as you travel to the Rila Monastery, where you delve into the history of the medieval landmark and browse the intriguing exhibitions of the on-site museum. Continue to Boyana Church to gaze at the fascinating pre-Renaissance frescoes that decorate the walls within. You can choose from a transport-only, audio guide, or English live-guided tour to suit your visit.
What to expect:
Greet your guide in central Sofia and climb aboard your comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Admire Bulgaria’s countryside as you travel towards the Rila Monastery, a sacred UNESCO listed structure cradled by pine carpeted mountains. On arrival, listen as your guide offers an insight into the legend shrouded monastery, whose origin dates back to 927 AD. Embark on a guided tour of the architectural masterpiece and marvel at vivid, fresco coated colonnades and richly carved wooden icons. Pay your respects at the grand tomb of Bulgaria’s last monarch, Boris III, and venture within the monastery museum to peruse the intriguing exhibits. Afterwards, relax during some leisurely free time to revitalise with a traditional lunch, and then return to the minibus to venture to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Boyana Church, famed for its impeccably preserved medieval frescoes; the church demands attention with its ancient artworks. Spend a while admiring the depictions of angels, apostles, saints and sinners, and listen to the historical context of their creation. Culturally enriched, return to your vehicle and relax during the journey back to central Sofia.
09:00 Departure from the starting point - St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before.
Boyana Church - A small temple at the outskirts of Sofia with frescoes dating back to three separate periods: 11th, 13th and 19th century. The most important and fascinating are the frescoes dating from 1259. They are Renaissance frescoes that predate the Italian Renaissance (triggered by the works of Giotto) and brake the strict Christian canon law to present pure human emotions, royal figures and folklore elements.
Rila Monastery - One of Bulgaria’s symbols and a popular tourist destination. The monastery is set deep in the heart of Rila Mountain, between the Rilska and Drushliavitza Rivers, at 3760ft (1147m) above sea level. It is situated 120 kilometres south of Sofia.
17:00 Return to the starting point - St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
A collections of photos from within the Monastery
If you're ever in Sofia I recommend booking this tour to the Rila Monastery and to Boyana Church! Check out my other blog on Sofia for things to see and do inside the city...
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