The Enigmatic Cave of Saint John of Rila: A Spiritual Sanctuary
Discover the spiritual serenity and breathtaking vistas at the Cave of Saint John of Rila, a historical sanctuary nestled in the enchanting Rila Mountains.
Nestled in the picturesque Rila Mountains, the Cave of Saint John of Rila is a revered pilgrimage site that attracts tourists seeking spiritual solace and breathtaking natural beauty. This historic cave, associated with Bulgaria's patron saint, offers a glimpse into the life of Saint John, showcasing a unique blend of spirituality and stunning landscapes.
A brief summary to The Cave of Saint John of Rila
- 107 8, Рилски манастир, 2643, BG
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes as the path to the cave can be steep and rocky.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Rila Mountains.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Respect the sacred nature of the site and maintain silence while inside the cave.
Getting There
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Car
From the center of Bansko, head northwest on Pirin St. towards the main road Rila Monastery (E-79). Continue on E-79 for about 35 km. You will pass through the towns of Razlog and Bansko. After reaching the town of Kiustendil, follow the signs for Rilski Manastir. The Cave of Saint John of Rila is located near the Rila Monastery, which is well-signposted. Once you reach Rilski Manastir, look for parking areas nearby.
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Public Transportation
Take a bus from Bansko to Kiustendil. Buses leave from the main bus station in Bansko. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once in Kiustendil, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Rila Monastery. Make sure to ask the bus driver or locals for directions to Rilski Manastir, as the transport options might vary. The Cave of Saint John of Rila is located close to the monastery.
Discover more about The Cave of Saint John of Rila
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hrelyo’s Tower
3.0 km
Explore Hrelyo’s Tower at Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history meets stunning architecture in Bulgaria's breathtaking landscapes.
Ivan Vazov Hut
8.4 km
Experience the beauty of Bulgaria at Ivan Vazov Hut, a serene mountain retreat perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Vada Hut
8.7 km
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Fish Lakes Hut (ribini ezra)
11.0 km
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Bodrost
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Резерват Парангалица
12.2 km
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Madjare's Hug - Swing with a View
17.2 km
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Ovchartsi Waterfall “Goritsa”
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Sanctuary “The Cross”
18.2 km
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The Dead Lake (Martvoto Ezero)
18.2 km
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Ledenoto Ezero Shelter
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Borovets Yastrebets Gondola - top station
19.4 km
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Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa
21.3 km
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Rila park Dupnica
21.3 km
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Borovets Hills Hotel
21.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Wandergebiet
0.6 km
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Kirilova Polyana Meadow
2.3 km
Explore the tranquil beauty of Kirilova Polyana Meadow, a perfect natural retreat in Bulgaria for relaxation and adventure amidst stunning landscapes.
Петлите, Рила
2.5 km
Explore the stunning Petlite in the Rila Mountains, where breathtaking hiking trails meet diverse wildlife in a serene natural setting.
Еленински Езера
2.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of Eleninski Ezera, a breathtaking chain of glacial lakes in Rila National Park, Bulgaria, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Malyovitsa
2.7 km
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Връх Малък Мермер
2.8 km
Experience the breathtaking vistas and serene trails at Vruh Malak Mermer, a hiking paradise in Bulgaria's stunning Rila region.
Rila Monastery
3.1 km
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връх Камилата
3.3 km
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Nature Park Rila Monastery
3.4 km
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Dodov Peak
3.4 km
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Malyovitsa Hut
4.3 km
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Божие място
4.5 km
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Връх Зелени камък
5.7 km
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Вазов връх
5.9 km
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Лопушко езеро
6.3 km
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Essential places to dine
B&B with a diner
2.4 km
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При Чичо Киро
2.6 km
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Ресторант Градина
3.0 km
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Drushliavitza
3.0 km
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hotel Pchelina
6.4 km
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Gorski Kut Hotel And Restaurant
7.1 km
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Елешница
8.4 km
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Family Hotel-Restaurant "Pri Mecho"
8.4 km
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Tavern "Magic of Rila"
8.7 km
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Gorchim
10.4 km
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Han Dyavolski Vodi
11.3 km
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Pastra
12.3 km
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La Barraka Bistro
14.9 km
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Валдис хотел-ресторант
15.4 km
Experience authentic Bulgarian cuisine amidst breathtaking mountain views at Valdis Hotel-Restaurant in Rila.
Valyavitsa
15.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Чайната
12.0 km
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Резерват Парангалица
12.2 km
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Shop Rossi Магазин Роси
14.7 km
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Дървени сувенири
14.9 km
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Дървени сувенири
14.9 km
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Универсален Магазин Говедарци
15.3 km
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Универсален Магазин Говедарци
15.3 km
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Универсален Магазин Говедарци
15.3 km
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Sveta Gora Holiday Village
17.1 km
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Хранителни стоки
17.3 km
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Semkovo Mountain Resort
17.4 km
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Coliving Semkovo
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Хранителен магазин
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Хранителен магазин
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Фреш Маркет
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Quattro Malyovitsa
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СП ВОДЕНИЦА
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Cafe Blitz
16.7 km
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Hotel Bor Semkovo
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Хотел Конде Семково
17.6 km
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TheBrownBar
18.0 km
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Taste the filing
19.1 km
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ВЕНДИНГ БАР - КЛИСУРАТА
20.0 km
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Bistro temenuga
20.1 km
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Park Life
21.3 km
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Snack bar Joy
23.2 km
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John Smith's Pub
23.2 km
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BJ's Bar Apres Ski Bar & Disco
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White Magic/БялаМагия
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Frankos Restaurant Karaoke and bar
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