Boyana Church and Rila Monastery Day Tour
Description
Explore two of Sofia's iconic landmarks – Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, which are indispensable sites for anyone visiting the Bulgarian capital!
Tour Overview
We'll gather at Vasil Levski Square, directly outside the Slovakian embassy, where our journey begins with a comfortable bus ride to the southern neighbourhood of Boyana.
After approximately 25 minutes on the road, taking in the picturesque views of the city, we will reach Boyana. Our initial destination will be the Boyana Church, an exquisite Orthodox chapel renowned for its frescoes spanning three distinct eras: the 11th, 13th, and 19th centuries. The Italian Renaissance artworks within complement the rich tapestry of medieval Eastern European art.
Continuing our tour, we’ll make our way to the Rila Monastery, an emblematic structure that embodies Slavic cultural identity after the Ottoman dominance. You will be captivated by the stunning grounds, featuring vibrant arches and domes that evoke awe.
Inside, we will view the magnificent golden iconostasis, intricately carved from wood, recognized as one of the largest in the Balkans, alongside the resting place of Bulgaria's last king, Boris III. After this exploration, enjoy approximately two hours of free time to delve deeper into the area at your own pace.
Our return to Sofia will occur after around 8.5 hours, although please keep in mind that the drop-off time may vary based on our entry time into Boyana Church.
Option for Direct Transfer to Rila Monastery
If you prefer to venture independently, you can opt for a service that provides direct transfer to Rila Monastery. This choice will not include a guided tour and will not make a stop at Boyana Church.
Key Information
Bear in mind that Boyana Church is closed on January 1 and during Orthodox Easter.
What's included
- Transport by bus
- Admission to Rila Monastery
- English–speaking guide (depending on selection)
- Audio guide in English (depending on selection)
What's not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup
- Admission to Boyana Church: 7EUR per person
Cancellation policy
Cancellazione gratuita fino a 24 ore prima (local time)
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Important information
The guide will be waiting for you at the Vasil Levski Square, in front of the Embassy of Slovakia, located at: Sofia Center, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 9, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Important Info
- Please note that card payments are not accepted in the Boyana Church or at the restaurants in the area. You must bring cash in the local currency.
- Remember that the drop-off time will vary depending on the time slot when we enter Boyana Church.
- The Boyana Church will be closed during Orthodox Easter.
- The audio guide can be accessed online. We recommend downloading the audio guide in advance when you're on WiFi. You'll receive the audio guide the day before the tour in the afternoon.
- There is a dress code to enter the Rila Monastery. You must wear long pants (or a long skirt for women), as well as a scarf, cardigan, or jacket to cover the shoulders when wearing a tank top.
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