Rila monastery is one of the most important symbols in Bulgaria and one of the most famous tourist attractions. It is located in the southwest part of Bulgaria in the mountain Rila, 120 km from Sofia and 41 km from Blagoevgrad.

It was founded in the 10th century by St. John Rilski. The monastery was destroyed by fire in the early 19th century and was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862. The Rila monastery has a unique architecture. Outside the monastery looks like a fortress. There are 24-meter stone walls. That is exactly why visitors are amazed when they enter the monastery through one of the two doors. 

Over the centuries Rila monastery was a spiritual, educational and cultural center of Bulgaria. In 1961, the monastery was declared a National Museum, and in 1983 it was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The monastery also has its own library, which is rich in literary work. There are a number of important Bulgarian records - about 250 manuscripts from the XI-XIX centuries, 900 old books, manuscripts, etc. 

The museum, which is located in the monastery, has a rich collection of historical exhibits (35 000), a rich collection of icons, carvings, cultural and ethnographic objects. The monastery contains unique artworks, such as the Cross of Raphael made of wood (81-43 centimeters). The cross was named by his creator Raphael who has spent more than 12 years to complete his work. 

The Rila monastery is a functional monastery. There is parking for cars, and there is also available accommodation in the monastery. Many icons, albums, cards, souvenirs and traditional Bulgarian objects are selling in the monastery and in the surroundings of the monastery.