Rila Monastery page 1
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From the moment you first arrive in Bulgaria, you start hearing about Rila Monastery. It's hyped by everyone you meet, and you begin to think you'll be let down when you finally get there. Not so! It's hard not to be impressed by building, let alone the natural setting it sits in. Many people visit Rila on a day trip from Sofia just an hour and a half a way but if at all possible, stay overnight in the Monastery. Spending a night in an old Monk's quarters is hopelessly romantic and the peace and tranquility is too serene to describe. Everything about Rila relaxes you. The gentle arches, wood railings, smell of the forest all around you. Even the hot mountain sun warming your skin through the thin atmosphere lulls you into peace.
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Even from the outside the monastery is
impressive. 5-6 stories of building rising majestically out of the
lush forest. |
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But the outside is nothing compared to what awaits
inside. The entrance is just a hint of what's to come. |
| The view you've come half way round the world for.
Perfection defined: Fluffy white clouds, deep blue sky, brilliant colors,
and the things you can't see like the way the air smells and the wind
rustling through your hair. |
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| With five levels, you can explore for the best
angle to get a picture. |
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Through the key hole: spires and mountain tops
as seen in morning's first light. |
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As the sun progressively rises in the sky the
monastery is gradually freed from shadow. The monastery's outside wall
houses monk quarters, meeting rooms and necessities like kitchens, etc. |
| In the courtyard is the majestic church. |
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Doors that lead to old monk's quarters. The
original 4 storey brick watchtower from the 1300s is shown on the right. |
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Ornate arches adorn the simple, but elegant
archtitecture. |
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As the sun begins to set, arch ways on the church
begin to cover the detailed frescoes in deep shadow. More
detailed fresco examples
can be seen in the "Artistic" section for Rila. |
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