Boyana Church and Rila Monastery Tour

General information

Program details

Visit two Unesco World Heritage Sites in one day with this loop shuttle from Sofia to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. These holy sites hold a special place in the hearts of most Bulgarians and are symbols of national identity.

We start the tour by visiting Boyana Church (guided tour only if you select the option). These frescoes that adorn the walls are considered predecessors of the European Renaissance. The majority of more than 240 figures depicted are full of not just reverence for God but also of the individuality and vitality of mankind.

Next, travel to Rila Monastery is famed for its arcaded balconies, delicate frescoes – the work of one of the most famous Bulgarian revival painters – the gilded iconostasis, the fabulous mountain view. The unique combination of them all makes for an extraordinary and memorable visit to the monastery. You have at least two hours of free time at Rila to explore the complex, enter the main church and take photos of the narthex gallery, admire the exhibits in the museum, try the tasty ¨mekitsi¨ (Bulgarian doughnuts) with delicious buffalo yogurt (a local speciality) or even have a short walk in the area.

Languages

Audioguide available in English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, French.