The Rila is a quaint town located at the foothills of Rila mountain. The Rila Monastery is the most popular tourist attraction in the region. A UNESCO world heritage site, the monastery was founded in the 10th century by St Ivan of Rila and houses around 60 monks. The monastery is an important spiritual center in Bulgaria and represents the history and culture of the country. Visit Rila Monastery Nature Park, one of the largest Nature Parks in Bulgaria. The Rila is also famous for numerous hiking trails and is a popular destination for winter sports.