Rila Monastery

The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila is one of Bulgaria's most famous attractions and one of the best day trips from Sofia. The monastery's black-and-white striped arches, the red-and-white striped facade, and the old stone tower will all be instantly recognizable. The monastery is richly frescoed and a fine example of National Revival architecture.

The Tower of Hrelja, which dates from the early 14th century, is the oldest structure on the site. During Bulgaria's National Revival, the Rila Monastery played an important role. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which comes as no surprise. The monastery is located in southwest Bulgaria, in the Rila Mountains, and it was established in the 10th century by the hermit Ivan of Rila.

• Must see: Other than the monastery and its in-house museum and gallery, one can also explore Rila National Park, Rila Mountains, and Medi Valley Winery