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Sofia - Rila Monestary7 Apr 2006
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Rila Monestary
Rila Monestary
Today we made a day trip to Rila Monestary; about 2 hours drive south of Sofia. So we had a driver for the day whereby we were able to take our time when we got there. 1147 m above sea level it lies amidst some of the most scenic recesses of Rila Mountains. Spread on an area of 8800 square meters in the shape of an irregular quadrangle, they form an enclosed ensemble. Rising in the middle of the courtyard is a high stone fortress tower built by the local feudal Sebastocrator Hrelyu in 1334-1335, and a small church dated to 1343.
We were almost up to the snow line in the mountains surrounding, the temperature must have been close to freezing. And the light rain didn't help. Amazing place and amazing scenery in the middle of nowhere.
While the highways in Bulgaria are bitumen, the city centres have paved stone which makes a very bumpy ride in a car.
