The Mystical Cave of Saint John of Rila: A Spiritual Retreat
Discover the spiritual serenity and natural beauty of The Cave of Saint John of Rila, a revered site in the stunning Rila Mountains of Bulgaria.
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Rila Mountain, The Cave of Saint John of Rila offers tourists a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty. Known as a pilgrimage site, this sacred location is steeped in history and legend, making it a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection to nature. The serene atmosphere and stunning views provide an ideal backdrop for reflection and exploration.
A brief summary to The Cave of Saint John of Rila
- 107 8, Рилски манастир, 2643, BG
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as the path to the cave can be steep and uneven.
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and avoid crowds.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and the cave's interior.
- Consider bringing a small picnic to enjoy in the surrounding area after your visit.
- Respect the spiritual nature of the site by maintaining silence and avoiding disruptive behavior.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, start from the town of Rila. Take the road towards Rilski Manastir (Rila Monastery). Follow the signs to the monastery, which is about 10 kilometers from Rila. Once you reach Rila Monastery, park your car in the designated parking area. From there, you will need to hike approximately 2 kilometers to reach The Cave of Saint John of Rila. Look for trail signs indicating the direction of the cave, which is located near the monastery.
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Public Transportation
To reach The Cave of Saint John of Rila using public transportation, take a bus from Sofia or Blagoevgrad to Rila. Buses run several times a day and take about 2-3 hours. Once you arrive at the Rila bus station, look for a local bus or taxi that can take you to Rila Monastery. The ride to the monastery will take around 15-20 minutes. After arriving at Rila Monastery, you will need to hike approximately 2 kilometers to The Cave of Saint John of Rila, following the marked trails from the monastery.
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Hiking
If you are already in the Rila Mountain area, you can hike to The Cave of Saint John of Rila from Rila Monastery. The hike is approximately 2 kilometers and takes about 30-45 minutes. Follow the marked trails that lead from the monastery. The path is well defined and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Make sure to wear suitable hiking shoes and carry enough water for the walk.
Discover more about The Cave of Saint John of Rila
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hrelyo’s Tower
3.0 km
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Ivan Vazov Hut
8.4 km
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Vada Hut
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Fish Lakes Hut (ribini ezra)
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Bodrost
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Резерват Парангалица
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Madjare's Hug - Swing with a View
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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)
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Ledenoto Ezero Shelter
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Borovets Yastrebets Gondola - top station
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Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa
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Rila park Dupnica
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Borovets Hills Hotel
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Unmissable attractions to see
Wandergebiet
0.6 km
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Kirilova Polyana Meadow
2.3 km
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Петлите, Рила
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Еленински Езера
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Malyovitsa
2.7 km
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Връх Малък Мермер
2.8 km
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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
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Връх Зелени камък
5.7 km
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Вазов връх
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Лопушко езеро
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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
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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
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La Barraka Bistro
14.9 km
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Валдис хотел-ресторант
15.4 km
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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
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Дървени сувенири
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Дървени сувенири
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Универсален Магазин Говедарци
15.3 km
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Универсален Магазин Говедарци
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Универсален Магазин Говедарци
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Sveta Gora Holiday Village
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Хранителни стоки
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Semkovo Mountain Resort
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Coliving Semkovo
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Хранителен магазин
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Хранителен магазин
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Quattro Malyovitsa
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СП ВОДЕНИЦА
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Cafe Blitz
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Hotel Bor Semkovo
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Хотел Конде Семково
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TheBrownBar
18.0 km
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Taste the filing
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ВЕНДИНГ БАР - КЛИСУРАТА
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Bistro temenuga
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Park Life
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Snack bar Joy
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John Smith's Pub
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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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