Boyana Church and Rila Monastery Day Tour

Discover two of Sofia's most significant landmarks – the Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. A must-visit during your stay in Bulgaria's capital!

Tour Overview

Our journey begins at Vasil Levski Square, right in front of the Slovakian embassy, where we will board a bus to Boyana, situated to the south of the city.

Following a 25-minute ride that allows you to take in the surrounding landscape, we will reach Boyana. Here, our first destination is the Boyana Church, a quaint Orthodox church renowned for its frescoes spanning three distinct epochs: the 11th, 13th, and 19th centuries. You will be captivated by the Italian Renaissance artworks, showcasing the medieval artistic heritage of Eastern Europe.

We then proceed to the Rila Monastery, a landmark of profound significance that illustrates Slavic cultural heritage post-Ottoman rule. As we explore the grounds of this stunning medieval site adorned with vibrant arches and domes, you'll be left in awe.

Upon entering the monastery, you will witness the magnificent golden iconostasis carved from wood, one of the Balkans' largest, alongside the burial site of Bulgaria's last king, Boris III. Following this, you'll have approximately two hours of free time to further enjoy and discover the area at your own pace.

After concluding our visit, we will return to Sofia around 5:30 PM.

Journey to Rila Monastery

If you prefer a more independent experience, you can opt for the package that provides only the direct transfer to Rila Monastery. Please note that this choice does not include a guided tour and skips the Boyana Church.

Key Information

Be aware that the Boyana Church is not accessible during Orthodox Easter and on January 1.