From Sofia - Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, Audio Guided Tour

Located on the outskirts of Sofia, Boyana Church consists of three buildings. The eastern church was built in the 10th century, then enlarged at the beginning of the 13th century by Sebastocrator Kaloyan, who ordered a second two storey building to be erected next to it. The frescoes in this second church, painted in 1259, make it one of the most important collections of medieval paintings. The ensemble is completed by a third church, built at the beginning of the 19th century. This site is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art.

The nature around it is incredible, part of the Rila peaks can be seen from it. The monastery was founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila the Wonderworker. It is located in the central parts of Rila, near the Rila River. The monastery is impressive in size, having 5 floors and a huge courtyard. Everything about the buildings is uniquely beautiful, and in the churches themselves you can see many wonderful icons and murals. In the monastery there is also a beautiful defense tower - Hrelova tower. It was built in 1335 by the local feudal lord Hreljo Voivoda. The building is the oldest preserved building in the monastery yard. On its top there is a chapel - Holy Transfiguration.