Rila Monastery

In the 10th century St. John of Rila lived as a hermit in these mountains, and his disciples founded a monastery near his cave. Through five centuries of Ottoman rule it kept alive Bulgarian faith, language and learning. The present buildings date from the 19th century, with the striped arches of the courtyard and the bright frescoes of the main church. St. John’s relics rest there, and it is the most visited site in Bulgaria.

• Date: 10th century