Rila Monastery (“Sveti Ivan Rilski” monastery), is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains, 117 km (73 mi) south of the capital Sofia in the deep valley of the Rilska River at an elevation of 1,147 m (3,763 ft) above sea level, within Rila Monastery Nature Park.
The Monatery was found in the 10th century and is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments.
The whole Monastry has been granted the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site
Further information can be found at: www.parkhotelmoskva.net
The Monastery is located in Rila Monastery Nature Park and surrounded by Rilomanastirska Gora Strict Nature Reserve. They protect one of the most beautiful natural sites in Bulgaria with amazing views to some of the highest peaks in Rila Mountains and to old-growth forests of Silver fir, European beech, Norway spruce, Scots pine and Macedonian pine. Above the monastery is also the very interesting highest location of oaks in Bulgaria – the endemic Rila oak (Quercus protoroburoides, only location in the world) and the highest location of Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) in Bulgaria.
During our fieldtrip we will visit the Rila monastery and will make a walk above Kirilova polyana, where we will meet members of Rila Monastery Nature Park management team, learn details on the surrounding nature, admire beautiful views.
Further information can be found at:
https://rilskimanastir.org/en/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rila_Monastery
https://www.parkrilski-manastir.eu/en/
80 EUR
The optional fieldtrip will cost 80 EUR, which will be added to the Conference fee if you wish to attend the Fieldtrip. at cozy restaurant nearby the Monastery.
Please note: The field trip will take a whole day. You should plan to stay in Sofia on Saturday night or if plan a flight this should be at night.