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Rila Monastery is one of the holiest places in Bulgaria, established by the heavenly protector of the Bulgarians Saint John of Rila in the 10th century. It is precious not only with its beauty, it still keeps a large part of Bulgarian history and culture. The Rila Monastery is the most popular one in Bulgaria. A number of foreigners also visit this place in the heart of the mountain. Near the monastery where the saint lived people continue to leave prayers written on pieces of paper. Believers say Saint Ivan Rilski continues to help everyone who has looked for his support.

The construction of the present structure of the monastery started around 13 – 14 century. The oldest building that survived today is a tower inside the monastery yard, known as Hrelyo’s tower. It was named after a local ruler who was in power when the construction of the monastery started. Nowadays you can climb the tower, see the old frescoes inside it and the enjoy the view to the monastery yard and Rila mountains. The frescoes are so precious that they are protected by glass walls. The present look of Rila Monastery dates back to 19th century. The beautiful main church in the middle was erected in 1834 – 1838. The frescoes inside were created by the most famous and talented Bulgarian artists at the time. The residential buildings surrounding the church are not less impressive. They form together an irregular pentagon and each wing is 4 or 5 floors high. All of them are extremely beautiful but are accessible only to residents and pilgrims staying in the monastery.

The holy relics of St. Ivan Rilski (Saint John of Rila) are kept in the Rila Monastery, named after the mountain where it is situated. The name of the saint is related to a number of miracles. He was born in 876 and lived during the time of Bulgarian rulers Knyaz Boris I, Tsar Simeon the Great and Tsar Peter. His only goal was to dedicate his life to serving God and that is why he became a hermit in the Rila Mountain. At that time people already knew him thanks to his pious deeds and they were often visiting him to ask for advice and support. He told people that greediness was among the greatest sins that divert man from God. The Rila Monastery was reerected at its present place by Hrelyu, a feudal lord, during the first half of the 14th century. The oldest buildings in the complex date from this period -— the Tower of Hrelja (1334–1335) and a small church just next to it (1343). The bishop's throne and the rich-engraved gates of the monastery also belong to the time. However, the arrival of the Ottomans in the end of the 14th century was followed by numerous raids and a destruction of the monastery in the middle of the 15th century.

When Tsar Petar himself came to see the monk bringing him fruit and gold Ivan Rilski did not let him too close and returned the gold keeping just the fruit. Then the monk wrote a letter to the ruler and explained why he did not meet him. He also gave him the following piece of advice: “The one who wants to be first among all must be a servant of all.” While living in the Rila Mountain disciples started joining the monk and this way the foundations of the biggest monastery in Bulgaria were laid. The Rila Monastery has been preserving Bulgarian spirit and culture during the centuries. St. Ivan Rilski died on August 18th, 946. He was first buried in the cave where he used lived as a hermit, but after some time his relics were found incorrupt and were moved to Sredets, (present day Sofia). This happened on October 19th and this is the date on which the Orthodox Church commemorates the saint. The Rila Monastery is the most popular one in Bulgaria. A number of foreigners also visit this place in the heart of the mountain. Near the monastery where the saint lived people continue to leave prayers written on pieces of paper. Believers say Saint Ivan Rilski continues to help everyone who has looked for his support.

The students should visit the biggest monastery in Bulgaria in order to learn more about its history, spirit and mysteries.