Rilski manastir (Rila monastery), view of church and courtyard
Rila, Bulgaria
Rila monastery is located in western Bulgaria, in Kyustendil province in the Rila Mountain ranges. It was founded in the 10th century by a monk (later Sv. Ivan) whose followers built early structures. The monastery became a center of Bulgarian culture and religious documentation during the Byzantine period but was damaged during the early Ottoman period and rebuilt in 15th century. Many of the current structures date from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Monastery was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
(photo 2000)
