A pilgrimage to the Rila Monastery is never truly complete without visiting the Old Hermitage and the sacred Cave of Saint Ivan of Rila. Tucked away within a cool beech forest, this mystical rock cave is where the most revered Bulgarian hermit and miracle-worker spent the last 12 years of his earthly life in fasting and solitary prayer. The complex beautifully merges the modesty of early Christian asceticism with the spirit of the Bulgarian National Revival, welcoming believers from near and far who seek peace, spiritual strength, and healing. Useful Information and Logistics - Location and Access: The cave is located approximately 3.7 kilometers northeast of the Rila Monastery. The main road passes the left side of the monastery walls and leads to a designated parking area inside the forest. - Time and Difficulty: The forest trail leading from the parking area to the cave is easy and family-friendly, taking about 15 minutes of casual walking each way. History and Architectural Heritage - Church of the Dormition of St. Ivan of Rila: Known as the Old Hermitage (Stara Postnitsa), this modest stone church was built using mortar and local stones directly over the saint's original burial site. First mentioned in historical documents during the 14th century, the temple was completely renovated in 1820 through donations by Hieromonk Hadzhi Korniliy and adorned with frescoes by masters of the Samokov Art School. - The Grave of the Saint: In the corner of the church narthex sits the original stone coffin of St. Ivan of Rila, covered with a white marble slab. Following his death in 946, his holy relics traveled through Sredets (Sofia), Hungary, and Veliko Tarnovo before finally returning to the main church of the Rila Monastery in 1469. Sacred Sites and Traditions - The Cave and the Proviralka: The entrance to the dark and narrow stone cave lies directly to the right of the church building. Inside, the space features only a stone bed which acts as an altar. At the back of the cave, a narrow vertical rock chimney called the Proviralka (The Squeeze) leads outside. According to a popular local legend, only those who are pure of heart and free of sin can successfully squeeze through the opening. Visitors often leave handwritten notes with their deepest prayers hidden inside the rock cracks. - The Holy Spring (Ayazmo): Located close to the church, a natural spring flows with water believed to have gushed from the rocks by the saint's prayers. Nearby, pages containing the righteous testament left by St. Ivan of Rila to his followers are displayed for tourists and pilgrims to read.
Kyustendil
9.5 km away
Kyustendil
17.8 km away
Peshtera sv. Ivan Rilski is located in Kyustendil, Bulgaria.
Peshtera sv. Ivan Rilski is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Caves can be visited year-round — the temperature inside stays roughly 10–12°C regardless of season. Spring and autumn are quieter than peak summer. Bring a warm layer and sturdy footwear; some caves close in winter when access roads become impassable.
Access to caves varies. Show caves typically run guided tours during posted opening hours; wild caves require proper equipment and experience. Inside, the temperature stays cool year-round (~10–12°C) — bring a warm layer, sturdy non-slip footwear, and a torch even on guided tours.
