The inaugural route, “The Miracle Worker of Rila,” follows the path along which the relics of Saint John of Rila were historically transported from the Rotunda of Saint George in Sofia to the Rila Monastery, where they currently rest. This route, in use for 16 years, marks the starting point of an ambitious plan to develop a national network of pilgrimage trails, an effort that has intensified over the past two years with the aim of connecting multiple sacred sites of great importance throughout Bulgaria.
The religious ceremony began with a liturgical procession from the Church of Saint Sophia to the Rotunda of Saint George, where Patriarch Daniil performed a water blessing, signaling the beginning of a spiritual journey accompanied by priests, pilgrims, and partner institutions.
Beyond this first route, the “Journey of Faith” project represents a broader strategy to transform Bulgaria into a global hub of faith and cultural tourism. The initiative is part of efforts by the Ministry of Tourism, which identifies religious tourism as a growing niche, with an estimated annual growth rate between 5% and 10%. In June 2025, a specialized guide was officially presented, featuring ten pilgrimage destinations across Bulgaria, including monasteries, churches, and historical sites, with detailed information designed for both domestic and international visitors.
The guide, developed in collaboration with local media and the academic community, reinforces the government’s commitment to fostering meaningful and sustainable tourism that connects visitors with the country’s cultural and spiritual identity. The ministry has assembled a working group with representatives from the Orthodox Church, religious communities, local authorities, academia, and the tourism sector to promote these routes both within and beyond Bulgaria.
The country’s geography also plays a vital role in the spiritual experience: the pilgrimage paths traverse mountainous landscapes and idyllic valleys, allowing walkers to combine devotion, inner reflection, and communion with nature. This approach is expected to enhance Bulgaria’s international visibility as a spiritual, cultural, and ecological destination.
With a long-term vision, the Bulgarian government plans to develop new routes in successive phases, expanding the network and connecting various religious sites associated with saints, martyrs, and emblematic figures of the Orthodox faith. This model will help diversify the tourism offering, promote longer visiting seasons, and improve infrastructure, local services, and accessibility for all types of pilgrims.
The inauguration of “The Miracle Worker of Rila” marks the beginning of a new chapter for religious tourism in Bulgaria. It is more than a symbolic act: it represents a turning point where ancient tradition, spirituality, cultural and economic tourism converge. Through this project, Bulgaria not only shares its historical and religious legacy with the world, but also offers pilgrims the chance to follow a path of deep faith, surrounded by beauty, silence, and devotion.
The initiative makes it clear that religious tourism is not limited to architecture or monuments, but is about living, transformative experiences. By walking these paths, visitors immerse themselves in the narrative of legendary saints like Saint John of Rila and in the history of the Bulgarian people, forging an emotional connection with the past. Thus, “A Journey of Faith” becomes a bridge across centuries, uniting spirituality, culture, landscape, and community in a unique experience that seeks to grow and connect Bulgaria with the world.
