The Rila Monastery, located in the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, is one of the country’s most essential and well-known monasteries. It was founded in the early 10th century by Saint John of Rila, the Bulgarian people’s heavenly protector. The monastery’s rich history and cultural significance is still a cornerstone of the Bulgarian spirit and nation.
The Rila Monastery has been essential in preserving and promoting Bulgarian culture, spirituality, and literature throughout history. Despite a lack of information on the monastery during the 10th to 14th centuries, it has been known to have been a center of literary activity. The monastery’s library holds literary monuments, such as the Glagolitic copy of Saint Ephrem the Syrian’s “Instruction,” which testify to the continuous literary activity at the monastery.
The Rila Monastery was confirmed throughout the centuries by Bulgarian rulers, such as Ivan Asen II and Kaloyan, and it was honored as a place of worship. The monastery was also a center of spiritual, cultural, and literary self-preservation and revival of the Bulgarian spirit and nationality during Ottoman rule (XV-XIX centuries). The Tarnovo Book School was moved to the monastery after being burned down by the Ottoman Empire, and the Rila library was revived and enriched with new manuscripts. The monastery also had connections with other monasteries, including the Russian monastery of Saint Panteleimon, and had a long-standing relationship with Russia, where monks would collect donations of books, icons, and other religious items.
The Rila Monastery was also a center of education and learning during the Renaissance (18th – 19th centuries). The eminent writer and abbot of the monastery, Hieromonk Neofit Rilski, also known as the “Patriarch of Bulgarian pedagogy,” prepared teachers and clergy for the whole country and was the founder and first teacher of the famous Gabrovska High School.
The monastery is a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It boasts an impressive architectural style, intricate frescoes, and stunning murals and is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The Rila Monastery is considered a national treasure and an important symbol of Bulgarian cultural and spiritual heritage.
What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
For further information, please check the Rila Monastery website.
Embark on a journey through time and spirituality by discovering Bulgaria’s rich monastery heritage.
