Today we head to Plovdiv to stay for a few days, but stop, again, in the mountains, but to see something else.
We see lush greenery along the way.
We see lush greenery along the way.
The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains, at an elevation of 1,147 m (3,763 ft), inside of Rila Monastery Nature Park. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 - 946 AD), and today houses around 60 monks.
Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe.
Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe.
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The central church interiors and porch walls are nearly totally covered in colorful murals.
Lots of action and literal depictions of some biblical meaning.
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Nom nom nom, Saints taste like puppy chow...
A monk is observed on the grounds.
The setting is also amazing with alpine hills and mountain peaks surrounding the compound.
Very medieval looking and imposing tower looming over us.
A Christmas tree saunters in for a late Spring visit...
..., while the last gasps of Winter hangs above.
On to Plovdiv, and another dinner, we try a chain restaurant which turned out to be quite nice. Sushi, steak, kale salad, and a Cloudy (drink) where the sugars swirl around in it like green clouds.
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Going back to our lodging we encounter an enigmatic riddle wrapped in an enigma, or something like that. Apparently it's been idle here for quite some time, notice the layer of city dust accumulating under it, street sweepers just working around it.
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