Rila Monastery "Рилски манастир"

The Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.

It is situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains, 117 km (73 mi) south of the capital Sofia

in the deep valley of the Rilska River at an elevation of 1,147 m (3,763 ft) above sea level.

The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 - 946 AD).

Founded in the 10th century,

It is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments

and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe.

Pictures were taken on July 8, 2011

      

A note to yourself: No bare shoulder or short shots/skirts are allowed inside of the monastery.

I was stopped at the parking lot and asked to cover my shoulder.

Luckily I had an over-sized cardigan in the car. ;)

       

Frescoes in the main church