The Cave of Saint John of Rila: A Sanctuary of Tranquility
Discover the serene beauty and spiritual significance of the Cave of Saint John of Rila, a hidden gem in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains, perfect for every traveler.
Nestled in the beautiful Bulgarian landscape, the Cave of Saint John of Rila offers a serene retreat for spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike. This remarkable site not only showcases the beauty of the Rila Mountains but also invites visitors to explore its deep historical and spiritual significance, making it a must-visit destination.
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
- Dress in layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly in the mountains.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the tranquility.
- Bring water and snacks, as facilities are limited at the cave.
- Respect the sacred nature of the site by maintaining silence and not disturbing others.
Getting There
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Car
From Semkovo, head south on the main road (E-79) towards Rilski Manastir. Continue for approximately 7 kilometers until you reach a sign for Rila Monastery. Turn left at the sign and follow the road that leads directly to the monastery. After entering the area, follow the signs towards The Cave of Saint John of Rila. There is parking available near the entrance.
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Public Transportation
Take a bus from the Semkovo bus station towards Rila Monastery. Buses operate regularly, and the journey will take about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at the Rila Monastery, exit the bus and follow the signs to The Cave of Saint John of Rila, which is about a 15-minute walk uphill from 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
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
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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
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Wandergebiet, a serene hiking area near Rilski Manastir, Bulgaria, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
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
Explore Malyovitsa: Discover breathtaking alpine views, diverse hiking trails, and the untouched beauty of Bulgaria's Rila Mountains.
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
Discover the spiritual and architectural marvel of Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site set in Bulgaria's stunning mountain landscape.
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
Experience authentic Bulgarian cuisine at При Чичо Киро near Rila Monastery – where tradition meets taste in a welcoming atmosphere.
Ресторант Градина
3.0 km
Experience authentic Bulgarian cuisine surrounded by breathtaking landscapes at Ресторант Градина near Rila Monastery.
Drushliavitza
3.0 km
Experience authentic Bulgarian cuisine at Drushliavitza amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Rilski Manastir.
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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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