Hrelja Tower at Rila Monastery | Bulgaria

This is another scenic shot, this time of the defense tower at Rila Monastery, located on the left side of the main church. I was quickly curious about story behind and found this was perfect composition.

You can access only the first floor of the tower, which people originally reached with a step-ladder but now use wooden stairs instead. Aimed at protecting residents during times of assault, this one, well-defended entryway reflects the fortress-like architecture. Inside, the solid stone walls feature wide stone staircases leading to four independent floors, each with a cleared space designed for temporary residence. These little yet useful areas had wooden flooring, little natural light, and even a second story sink.

The builders designed the monastery complex as a fortification, relying on self-defense with only two doors strongly secured by heavy iron gates. This is to make the yard inaccessible during an attack. However, the beautiful ornamentation and the monastery’s national purpose, expressed through the Rila Monastery wall frescos, cleverly conceal its defensive role. For those who believe in Bulgarian faith and offer liberation and happiness, the gates of the monastery are broadly open.