Sofia, Oct 24: It was a pleasant moment for President A P J Abdul Kalam on the concluding day of his two-day state visit to Bulgaria when he drove to the Rila monastery, 117 kms from here, evincing keen interest in the historical and spiritual aspects of the place considered to be holy for the Bulgarians. The monastery, founded in tenth century by followers of the Bulgarian hermit saint Ivan Rilski is one of the most significant cultural centres of Bulgaria and was completely rebuilt in the 19th century after it was destroyed in a devastating fire.
Driving through the mountains soon after leaving the Capital, the monastery, which was included in the world register of historical sites in 1983, presents a sight to behold with its painting of stone, wood and metal combined.

Bureau Report