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Tour

Boyana Church and Rila Monastery Day Tour

Visit two of the most important monuments in Sofia – Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. Essential for any trip to the Bulgarian capital!. Description. We'll meet at the car park in Alexander Nevski Square to board a bus to Boyana, located to the...

  • 9 - 10 hours
  • 8/10 | 2804 reviews

Visit two of the most important monuments in Sofia – Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. Essential for any trip to the Bulgarian capital!

Description

We'll meet at the car park in Alexander Nevski Square to board a bus to Boyana, located to the city's south. After a 25-minute journey, we'll arrive in Boyana, starting with the Boyana Church, an orthodox sanctuary featuring frescos from the 11th, 13th, and 19th centuries, including notable Italian Renaissance paintings.

Next, we'll visit the Rila Monastery, an iconic symbol of Slavic cultural identity established during the Ottoman occupation. The tour includes the impressive medieval monument with its colorful arches and domes, followed by entry to the interior to view the golden iconostasis, one of the largest in the Balkans, and the tomb of Bulgaria's last monarch, Boris III. You will have around two hours of free time to explore the area independently.

We will return to Sofia at approximately 5:30 pm.

Transfer to Rila Monastery

If you prefer, you can book an option that includes only the transfer to Rila Monastery. This option is not guided and does not include a stop at Boyana Church.

Important

The Boyana Church is closed during the Orthodox Easter and on January 1.

Prices

Included

  • Transport by bus
  • Admission to Rila Monastery
  • English–speaking guide (depending on selection)
  • Audio guide in English (depending on selection)

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup
  • Admission to Boyana Church: 5EUR per person

Tips

  • Accessibility: No, not suitable for people with reduced mobility

Location

Activity location

Ulitsa Oborishte, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

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