Heading toward Skopje we left the main road and wound our way up the mountain to our stop at Rila Monastery.
I was absolutely unprepared for the stunning vision behind the gate and stone walls.
Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy site and were transformed into a monastic complex which played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. To this day, it is considered one of the holiest sites in the Balkans. Destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century, the complex was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862.
Unfortunately photography inside is not allowed, but the frescoes, Gold altar, chandelier, etc. are stunning.
