During the 9th century, Bulgaria converts to Christianity (865). Shortly after, a hermit, St John (born 876), settles in the valley of Rila. In the 14th century…
The 14th century monastery burnt down in the 19th century and was completely rebuilt in the 1830s.
Detail - above the front gate.
A dozain of monks still live in the monastery today, for a capacity of 300.
A defence tower erected in 1344 is the only preseved part of the 14th century monastery.