Rila monastery and Boyana church
Tour highlights: Rila Monastery; The cave of St. Ivan Rilski the miracleworkeran and the Boyana Church
Description: The Rila monastery – biggest and most important orthodox cloister in the country – is, without any doubt, the jewel of Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage. Recognized as a part of UNESCO world heritage sites since 1976, the monastery is an unique monument of the church architecture. Situated deep in the dense pine forests of Rila mountain, it is a place of massive cultural and historical importance and keeper of the national identity trough the middle ages. The monastery museum contains some amazing examples of the best Bulgarian icon painting and woodcarving. Not far away is located the cave, where originaly lived st. Ivan Rilski, the founder of the monastery, along with his grave. It is considered, that st. Ivan was a miracleworker and is the most honored bulgarian holy man – his cave is believed to be a sacred place.
Another UNESCO site, part of the tour is Boyana Church, located on the outskirts of Sofia. It was added to the World Cultural Heritage List in 1979. The building consists of three parts, which are example of the Byzantine architecture – Greek cross ground-plan with dome, richly decorated facades with ceramic elements. In the interior of the church there are several layers of wall paintings from different historical periods-11th, 13th, 15-17th and 19th. The church owes its world fame mainly to its frescoes from 1259, which reflect the unique achievements of the Bulgarian medieval culture. According to the experts the style of the paintings from this period is much resembling the Renaissance style though much earlier than it begun. The Boyana Church displays 89 different scenes with 240 human figures either individually or together.
This one day tour gives the unique opportunity to visit one of the supreme bulgarian sites, along with some of the highlights of the region!
Itinerary: The tour starts from your hotel. After a two hour transfer we reach the Rila monastery. A two and a half hour tour of the Holy cloister with a visit to the museum. After lunch it is time for transfer back to Sofia where we will visit the Boyana church. The tour ends at your hotel
Starting time: 09:00
Finishing time: 19:00
Duration: 8 hours
Price includes: All tour assistance, All transfers, English speaking driver, English speaking licensed guide, entrance fees, light lunch.
Price does not include: Gratuities to the guide and the driver (optional)
Price: 35 euro
* Valid for minimum 2 tourists
