From Sofia – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, Audio Guided Tour
Why we love it?
The "From Sofia – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, Audio Guided Tour" offers an immersive day trip for those interested in Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage. Spanning eight hours, this tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking to explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Rila Monastery, renowned for its stunning architecture and frescoes, and the Boyana Church, famous for its medieval paintings. Participants will benefit from an audio guide available in multiple languages, enhancing their understanding of the sites visited. The tour includes convenient hotel pick-up and comfortable minibus transport, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors.
Inclusions
- Audio guide (English, Espanol, Italiano, Français, Deutsche, Русский)
- Pick-up from your hotel;Transport with comfortable minibus;
Exclusions
- Entrance fees for Boyana church - 10 BGN (optional)
Itinerary
Step 1
Located on the outskirts of Sofia, Boyana Church consists of three buildings. The eastern church was built in the 10th century, then enlarged at the beginning of the 13th century by Sebastocrator Kaloyan, who ordered a second two storey building to be erected next to it. The frescoes in this second church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important collections of medieval paintings. The ensemble is completed by a third church, built at the beginning of the 19th century. This site is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art.
Step 2
The nature around it is incredible, part of the Rila peaks can be seen from it. The monastery was founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila the Wonderworker. It is located in the central parts of Rila, near the Rila River. The monastery is impressive in size, having 5 floors and a huge courtyard. Everything about the buildings is uniquely beautiful, and in the churches themselves you can see many wonderful icons and murals.
In the monastery there is also a beautiful defense tower - Hrelova tower. It was built in 1335 by the local feudal lord Hreljo Voivoda. The building is the oldest preserved building in the monastery yard. On its top there is a chapel - Holy Transfiguration.
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- The total tour duration is a 8 hours, including travel time. Scheduled time for viewing Boyana Church - 1 hour approx. Rila Monastery - 2 hours approx.
- Children seats are available for more then 2 years old children
- It is NOT allowed to wear shorts, short skirts.
- We will pick-up from any address in Sofia.
Know Before You Go
- Public transportation nearby
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
