The 10th-century Rila Monastery was founded by St. John of Rila, known for being an ascetic. He was consecrated here by the Orthodox Church. His tomb and austere dwelling became a holy site and were eventually transformed into a secluded complex. This monastery became an important element in the spiritual and social lives of medieval Bulgarian people. During the 19th century, a fire destroyed this important complex, but it was rebuilt to its previous splendor between 1834 and 1862. It continues to be a symbol and example of the Bulgarian Renaissance, and brings an awareness of the Slavic cultural identity of this time.

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