Rila

Rila is the highest mountain in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula (Mt. Musala -2925 m). It occupies the prestigious 6th place in the European “classification”, preceded by: Caucasus, the Alps, Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and the Etna volcano.
Among the bosoms of Rila at the altitude of 1147 m above sea level, on the right bank of the Rila River is situated the most outstanding monument of Bulgarian culture and architecture of the Revival period - the Rila Monastery. Some of the biggest Bulgarian rivers rise from Rila: Iskar, Maritsa, Mesta.
There is well developed tourist and balneological infrastructure in Rila - hot mineral springs, mountain resorts, sports contest centers, mountain huts, marked tourist routes, radio-link and mountain rescue brigades, as well as historical and religious sightseeing sites. Excepting its mounts, Rila is well-known for its lakes.