Visiting Rila Monastery From Sofia – The Ultimate Guide
We had almost five full days in Sofia, so we decided to use one of them to explore the area a bit more. The Rila Monastery had been on my radar for a while, and once I realized it was only about two hours from Sofia, the decision was made pretty quickly.
After a bit of research, we found a guided tour to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church – and it sounded perfect, so we booked it right away.
What should I say? The Rila Monastery didn’t disappoint at all, and it was even more stunning than I had expected.
If you’re also planning a trip to the Rila Monastery from Sofia, you’ll find everything you need to know in this post — from interesting facts to how to get there, what to see, and useful tips.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
If you’ve read some of my other travel guides, you probably know that I love sharing a few facts or bits of history about the places I visit — and of course, this post is no exception!
So, let’s start with some interesting facts about the monastery and how it became the place it is today.
Interesting Facts About Rila Monastery
The Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s most famous landmarks and a true symbol of the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
It’s hidden deep in the Rila Mountains, about 1,200 meters above sea level, and surrounded by stunning forest scenery.
The monastery was founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan of Rila, a hermit who lived in a nearby cave and later became the patron saint of Bulgaria.
Over the centuries, the monastery has not only been a religious center but also a place that preserved Bulgarian culture and traditions during times of foreign rule.
In 1838, a major fire destroyed much of the monastery, but it was rebuilt in the mid-19th century in the style we see today. In recognition of its importance, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Today, it’s still home to a small community of monks who maintain the site and welcome visitors from all over the world.
Inside, you’ll find beautifully painted frescoes, wood-carved details, and peaceful courtyards that make it easy to understand why Rila Monastery is such a special place.
How to Get to Rila Monastery From Sofia
As I mentioned earlier, we visited the Rila Monastery as part of a tour, but I would like to share other possible options for getting there from Sofia.
By Public Transport
There used to be a direct bus from Sofia to the Rila Monastery, but unfortunately, it’s not operating at the moment — and I couldn’t find information on if or when it will resume.
This means you’ll need to piece together a route using buses to towns near the monastery and local connections, or use shuttle/transfer services, which are usually more expensive than a tour.
One option is to take a bus or train from Sofia to Dupnitsa or Blagoevgrad, then transfer via local bus or minivan toward Rila — ideally passing through the town of Rila itself.
Because public transport can be unpredictable, especially outside the high season, it’s not something I’d recommend.
It’s unreliable, complicated, takes way too long, and you don’t really save money anyway, since other options aren’t expensive either.
By Car
Driving to the Rila Monastery from Sofia is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to get there. The journey takes about two hours along well-maintained roads, and the route itself is quite scenic.
From Sofia, you’ll take the A3/E79 highway toward Blagoevgrad, then follow signs to the town of Rila.
Once you reach Rila, just keep following the signs uphill to the monastery. There’s a parking lot near the entrance, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot.
If you are traveling to Sofia by plane and thus don’t have a car, renting one is also an option. You can find the best and most affordable rental cars at DiscoverCars.
By Tour
Last but not least, you have the option of joining a guided tour to Rila Monastery, just as we did. In my opinion, joining a guided tour is the best choice for getting to the monastery from Sofia because it’s convenient and hassle-free.
We booked the combined tour to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church to kill two birds with one stone, and were completely satisfied with the organization and service.
With this tour, you also have the option to book just the transport, an audio guide, or a full guided tour at the monastery.
Even if you choose to book just the transportation (like we did), you’ll still get some information during the bus journey.
The tour starts at 9:00 am and includes a short stop before continuing to the monastery, where you’ll spend about 2–3 hours exploring on your own or with the guided tour.
Opening Times & Entrance Fee
The Rila Monastery is open every day from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm in summer and until around 6:00 pm in winter.
Entrance to the monastery and courtyard is free, but you’ll need to pay a small fee if you want to visit the museums or climb the Hrelyo Tower — usually around BGN 8 (€4) per museum.
What to See at Rila Monastery
Besides the residential area of the monks, which is basically all the upper floors and not open to visitors, there’s plenty to see and explore.
Nativity of The Virgin Church
The centerpiece and the first thing you’ll notice when entering the big courtyard is the Nativity of The Virgin Church, a stunning example of Bulgarian Orthodox architecture.
The church has five domes and is covered in colorful frescoes from floor to ceiling. You’ll find scenes from the Bible, the lives of saints, and even local historical figures.
Famous Bulgarian artists like Zahari Zograf and other painters from the Samokov and Bansko schools worked on these murals, which took years to complete.
Inside, the wood-carved iconostasis is absolutely stunning — and since photos aren’t allowed, you’ll have to see it yourself! There are also side chapels, hanging lamps, and gilded icons from the 14th to the 19th century.
Even if you’re not particularly religious, it’s hard not to be impressed by the colors, artistry, and history packed into every corner.
The church is surrounded by the monastery’s peaceful courtyards, giving you the chance to admire the architecture from every angle and take in the serene mountain setting.
Hrelyo Tower
The Hrelyo Tower is the oldest building of the monastery, dating back to 1334, and it’s actually the only structure that survived the major fire in 1838.
It was originally built as a defensive tower, but later also served as living quarters for monks and a place to store valuable items.
The tower stands out with its robust stone walls and narrow windows, giving it a medieval, fortress-like feel.
While you can’t enter all parts of the tower, the lower floors are sometimes open, and there’s even a small souvenir window where you can pick up a few keepsakes.
Monastery Museums
Rila Monastery has a few small museums you can visit. The Church History Museum displays religious artifacts, old manuscripts, and treasures from the monastery’s long history.
There’s also an icon gallery, a museum of the monastery’s economy, and an ethnographic museum with traditional Bulgarian costumes and restored guest rooms.
While visiting the monastery itself is free, there’s a small entrance fee for the museums — around BGN 20 (€10) for a combined ticket.
Monastic Bakery
Another nice little spot at Rila Monastery is the monastic bakery, located near the entrance to the complex.
The monks still bake bread here using traditional recipes, and you can buy freshly baked loaves and sweet treats straight from the counter.
Right next to the bakery, you’ll also find a few small stalls selling snacks, souvenirs, and local products, as well as a restaurant where you can sit down for a proper meal.
Shop & Library
Right by the main courtyard, there’s a small shop and library where you can browse and buy religious books, icons, candles, and other handmade souvenirs.
If you’re interested in Bulgarian Orthodox culture or just want a meaningful keepsake, this is the perfect place to stop by.
Useful Tips For Visiting Rila Monastery From Sofia
Whether you decide to visit the monastery by public transport, car, or guided tour, it’s essential to know a few things to be properly prepared for your trip!
Best Time to Visit
The Rila Monastery is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is warm and the mountain views are stunning. Spring and early autumn are especially nice — fewer crowds and plenty of greenery.
If you’re going by car, try to arrive early in the morning (the monastery opens around 7:00 am). Also, try to avoid weekends, as it gets much busier.
We visited on a Tuesday, and even though we got there at around 11:30 am and stayed until 2:00 pm, it wasn’t too crowded at all.
Dress Code
The Rila Monastery is an active religious site, so it’s important to dress respectfully — shoulders and knees need to be covered, and short skirts, shorts, or sleeveless tops aren’t appropriate.
There’s someone at the entrance checking, and if you’re not dressed properly, they won’t let you in.
Comfortable shoes are also a good idea, especially if you plan to explore the areas around the monastery.
Bring Cash
It’s a good idea to bring some cash when visiting the Rila Monastery. There’s a shop, a bakery, and a few small stalls, but not all of them accept cards, and there’s no ATM on site.
You’ll also need cash for museum tickets or souvenirs, so having some BGN on hand will make your visit much smoother.
Photography
You can take photos around the monastery and the courtyard, but no photography is allowed inside the Nativity of the Virgin Church or other sacred areas.
Respect the rules, and you’ll still get plenty of amazing shots outside, including the colorful frescoes, Hrelyo Tower, and the beautiful mountain surroundings.
Do you need more info for your trip to Rila Monastery or have other questions?
Feel free to reach out!
Check out:
11 Great Things to Do in Sofia For First-Timers
Vegan in Sofia: 9 Great Restaurants & Cafés
7 Interesting Museums to Visit in Sofia, Bulgaria
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Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.
