Many Bulgarians say you haven't really been to Bulgaria until you've paid your respects to the truly heavenly, Unesco-listed Rila Monastery(www.rilamonastery.pmg-blg.com; h7am-9pm), 120km south of Sofia. Built in 927 and heavily restored in 1469, the monastery was a stronghold of Bulgarian culture and language during Ottoman rule. Set in a magnificent forested valley ideal for hiking, the monastery is rightfully famous for its mural-plastered Nativity Church dating from the 1830s. The attached museum (Rila Monastery; 8 lv; h8am-5pm) is home to the astonishing Rila Cross, with biblical scenes painstakingly carved in miniature. Visitors should dress modestly.
If you have time, hike up to the Tomb of St Ivan, the hermit founder of the monastery. The 15-minute walk begins along the road 3.7km east behind the monastery.
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