Discover the Spiritual Depths of the Cave of Saint John of Rila
Explore the Cave of Saint John of Rila, a sacred Bulgarian site nestled in the Rila Mountains, embodying history, spirituality, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the Cave of Saint John of Rila, a sacred site offering a unique glimpse into Bulgaria's spiritual heritage, nestled in the stunning Rila Mountains.
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
- Wear comfortable shoes for the hike to the cave, as the terrain can be uneven.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy a quieter experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Rila Mountains surrounding the cave.
- Respect the sacred nature of the site; maintain silence and decorum while inside the cave.
- Check the local weather before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving from the town of Rila, head north on the main road (Е79) towards the Rila Monastery. After approximately 10 km, follow the signs for the Rila Monastery and turn left onto the road leading to the monastery. Continue for about 2 km until you reach the entrance of the Rila Monastery complex. Parking is available nearby. From the parking area, walk towards the monastery entrance and follow the path to the Cave of Saint John of Rila, which is about a 30-minute hike uphill.
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Public Transportation
To reach the Cave of Saint John of Rila using public transport, take a bus from Sofia to Rila. Buses depart from the Sofia Central Bus Station regularly throughout the day. The journey takes about 2 hours. Once in Rila, you can catch a local minibus or taxi to the Rila Monastery, which is approximately 10 km away. The minibus should drop you off near the monastery entrance. From there, follow the hiking trail leading to the Cave of Saint John of Rila, which takes around 30 minutes to reach.
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
Experience the serene beauty of Vada Hut in the Rila Mountains, where nature and Bulgarian cuisine come together for an unforgettable retreat.
Fish Lakes Hut (ribini ezra)
11.0 km
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Bodrost
11.9 km
Experience the thrill of skiing in Bodrost, Bulgaria’s premier ski resort, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich local culture.
Резерват Парангалица
12.2 km
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Madjare's Hug - Swing with a View
17.2 km
Experience breathtaking views and thrilling swings at Madjare's Hug in Bulgaria's picturesque Madzhare village, a perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Ovchartsi Waterfall “Goritsa”
17.4 km
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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
18.4 km
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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
Experience Vrah Zeleni Kamak: A breathtaking hiking area in Samokov, Bulgaria, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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
Experience family-friendly comfort at Hotel Pchelina near Rila Monastery, where scenic beauty meets Bulgarian hospitality.
Gorski Kut Hotel And Restaurant
7.1 km
Experience authentic Bulgarian cuisine in a serene setting at Gorski Kut Hotel and Restaurant – your gateway to nature's beauty.
Елешница
8.4 km
Experience authentic Bulgarian cuisine at Елешница Restaurant near Rila Monastery - a perfect blend of tradition and nature.
Family Hotel-Restaurant "Pri Mecho"
8.4 km
Experience authentic Bulgarian cuisine at Family Hotel-Restaurant 'Pri Mecho', nestled in the breathtaking Rila Mountains – where tradition meets comfort.
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
Experience authentic Bulgarian flavors at Valyavitsa in Sapareva Banya – where delicious food meets breathtaking nature.
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
Explore the enchanting wooden souvenirs of Govedartsi, where every handcrafted piece tells a story of Bulgarian culture and craftsmanship.
Универсален Магазин Говедарци
15.3 km
Experience the charm of Govedartsi at the Universal Store, where local culture meets everyday shopping in a picturesque Bulgarian village.
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
17.2 km
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Хотел Конде Семково
17.6 km
Discover the perfect family getaway at Hotel Conde Semkovo, where comfort meets adventure in Bulgaria's stunning landscapes.
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
23.2 km
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White Magic/БялаМагия
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Frankos Restaurant Karaoke and bar
23.3 km
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