Kyustendil Province

Bulgaria

Inside view of Monastery of Saint Ivan (John) of Rila (Rila Monastery), Kyustendil Region
Inside view of Monastery of Saint Ivan (John) of Rila (Rila Monastery), Kyustendil Region
Lovely viewing balcony, but we were not allowed up there due to repairs
I don't necessarily connect monasteries with religion. For me they are magical places ✨ Magical for their architecture, the atmosphere, the art and the minds behind all that. Can you imagine building a place like this deep into the woods... Only the people who had the need or the will used to visit them. ⠀ Now they are open to all of us and the best we can do is just to appreciate them!
The domes of the church "Nativity of the Virgin Mother" are one of the most distinguishable parts of the Rila Monastery.⠀ This is the main church in the monastery and was erected in 1837 after the demolishing of the original church.⠀ ⠀ The frescoes inside, the gold-plated iconostasis, the altars, and icons are amazing pieces of art! ⠀ ⠀ It was forbidden to take pictures inside the church but I can tell you - you will not get bored by the gold and the wood-carving! It's breathtaking! 🙌🏻🧡

Popular cities in Kyustendil Province

Seeing the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila or the Rila Monastery I understand why it is one of the most famous and culturally important places in our country. It's an amazing place! ⠀ It is situated in the Rila mountains, highest mountain range in Bulgaria and was founded in the 10th century.
Rila
Known for Small town, Dining and Wineries
Explore quaint Rila: its wineries, mountain views, food, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Rila Monastery
Explore CityFind Hotels
These are two of the Seven Rila Lakes. Their names are: the Eye (Окото) on the left and the Kidney on the right (Бъбрека)
Sapareva Banya
Known for Spas
Get away to Sapareva Banya! Enjoy the spas and more.
Explore CityFind Hotels
Kyustendil
Kyustendil
Known for Skiing, Historical and Museums
Come to Kyustendil and enjoy its skiing, history, and museums.
Explore CityFind Hotels
European architecture
Dupnitsa
Known for Dining
Dupnitsa awaits: its food and more!
Explore CityFind Hotels
Kocherinovo
Kocherinovo
Check out the local area in Kocherinovo as you venture to sights like Stob Earth Pyramids.
Explore CityFind Hotels
Treklyano
Treklyano
During your stay in Treklyano, you can discover things to see and do in the local area.
Explore CityFind Hotels