Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria

The most recognisable landmark in the Rila Mountains is the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery. This is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and is situated in the deep valley of the River Rilska River within the Rila Monastery Nature Park at a height of 3763 feet. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 to 946 AD) and houses around 60 monks. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and south Europe. Due to its outstanding cultural and spiritual value it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Date: 30th May 2018

Location: Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria