Rila Monastery & Boyana Church - 2 World Heritage Sites

Take a drive to the Rila Monastery a UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the highest achievement of Bulgarian monumental architecture of the National Revival period. Then visit the 10th-century Boyana Church and see its beautiful mosaics and art.

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Highlights

Visit two World Heritage Sites in one day
Discover Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s biggest cloister that still attracts thousands of pilgrims
Explore the monastery’s museum is a must-visit place
Experience the 10th century Boyana Church, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site
See the murals of this famous church reflect both Byzantine and local traditions of the earlier centuries

Description

The first stop of your tour will be to the Rila Monastery. The monastery dates back to the 10th century but has been plundered and burned down several times. The present building was built in the mid-19th century. Located in the gorgeous mountain scenery of Bulgaria, it is considered the highest achievement of Bulgarian monumental architecture of the National Revival period. Of particular interest is the museum, and the 1335 Hrelyo’s Tower, which is actually the oldest preserved building. Alongside is the big five-dome church Assumption of the Holy Virgin with splendid frescoes by some of Bulgaria’s finest artists of the time. You will then continue onto the 10th-century Boyana Church, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. The murals of this famous church reflect both Byzantine and local traditions of the earlier centuries. One of the portraits in the church is unanimously considered a genuine masterpiece of 13th-century painting, created 200 years before the European renaissance. They form a second layer over the paintings from earlier centuries and represent one of the most complete and well-preserved monuments of medieval art in the Balkans.

Includes

• Driver/tour leader
Transportation in a vehicle with A/C • Audio Guide (English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, and Bulgarian) included for Rila Monastery, Rila Monastery Museum and Boyana Church • Map of Rila Monastery and Boyana Church • Bottled water • Fuel surcharge • Parking fees
• Entrance fees to Rila Monastery Museum - optional 4 Euro per person • Entrance fees into Boyana Church - 5 Euro per person • Hotel Pick-up and drop-off • Personal expenses

Important Information

• This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility
Entry in the complex is not allowed with improper attire: short skirts, shorts, vests, etc • Must dress appropriately with shoulders and knees covered • When in the temple you must be silent, men must enter without hats, and it is not accepted the sit in the temple with your legs crossed legs, to have your hands in your pockets or to be on your mobile device