Sightseeing Guidebook
Sightseeing
Statue of St Sofia, erected in 2000, stands in a spot once occupied by a statue of Lenin.
Statue of St Sofia is 20 m high. It’s a symbol of the city because St.Sofia is the city’s patron.
Sofia means wisdom in Greek –that’s why she hold a an owl in her left hand, a symbol of wisdom.
In her right hand she holds a laurel wreath (symbol of many things for Greeks and Romans: peace, success, reputation etc.
Saint Sophia the Martyr (died 137 AD) is worshiped in the Eastern Orthodox Church on September 17.
Thus the holiday of the capital is on September 17.
Born in Italy, Sophia had three daughters: Faith (age 12), Hope (age 10) and Love (age 9), who were named after virtues mentioned by Saint Paul.
The daughters are said to have been martyred during the reign of Hadrian (117–138). The guards took Sophia’s daughters one by one, from the oldest to the youngest and beat and tortured them to death in an attempt to force their mother, Sophia, to give up her faith in Christ.
Sophia buried her daughters’ bodies and remained by their graves for three days until she died herself.
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Monument de Santa Sofia
Statue of St Sofia, erected in 2000, stands in a spot once occupied by a statue of Lenin.
Statue of St Sofia is 20 m high. It’s a symbol of the city because St.Sofia is the city’s patron.
Sofia means wisdom in Greek –that’s why she hold a an owl in her left hand, a symbol of wisdom.
In her right hand she holds a laurel wreath (symbol of many things for Greeks and Romans: peace, success, reputation etc.
Saint Sophia the Martyr (died 137 AD) is worshiped in the Eastern Orthodox Church on September 17.
Thus the holiday of the capital is on September 17.
Born in Italy, Sophia had three daughters: Faith (age 12), Hope (age 10) and Love (age 9), who were named after virtues mentioned by Saint Paul.
The daughters are said to have been martyred during the reign of Hadrian (117–138). The guards took Sophia’s daughters one by one, from the oldest to the youngest and beat and tortured them to death in an attempt to force their mother, Sophia, to give up her faith in Christ.
Sophia buried her daughters’ bodies and remained by their graves for three days until she died herself.
The scale of this building will blow you away. Inside St. Alexander Nevski has room for 10,000 people and it’s the second largest cathedral in the Balkan region.
As with a great deal of Sofia’s grand architecture, the city’s cathedral dates to the 1880s.
This was directly after the Ottomans were overthrown and the state of Bulgaria was re-established.
It was originally dedicated to the Russian soldiers that lost their lives in the course of this liberation.
When you’re inside, look up at ceiling of the main cupola, which has a mural of the Lord God Sabbath.
The crypt here is open to visitors and has a big collection of icons.
369 residents recomanen
Catedral de Sant Alexander Nevski
ploshtad "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski"The scale of this building will blow you away. Inside St. Alexander Nevski has room for 10,000 people and it’s the second largest cathedral in the Balkan region.
As with a great deal of Sofia’s grand architecture, the city’s cathedral dates to the 1880s.
This was directly after the Ottomans were overthrown and the state of Bulgaria was re-established.
It was originally dedicated to the Russian soldiers that lost their lives in the course of this liberation.
When you’re inside, look up at ceiling of the main cupola, which has a mural of the Lord God Sabbath.
The crypt here is open to visitors and has a big collection of icons.
The Russian church was built in 1914 is dedicated to the patron-saint of the Russian Tsar at the time Nicholas II.
The Russian church was built on the site of a Mosque, which was destroyed in 1882, after the liberation of Bulgaria by Russia from the Ottoman Empire.
The Russian church was built as the official church of the Russian Embassy, which was located next door, and of the Russian community in Sofia, and was named, as was the tradition for diplomatic churches, for the patron saint of the Emperor who ruled Russia at the time, Nicholas II of Russia.
The five domes are coated with gold. The bells were donated by Emperor Nicholas II.
104 residents recomanen
Església russa "Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski"
3 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"The Russian church was built in 1914 is dedicated to the patron-saint of the Russian Tsar at the time Nicholas II.
The Russian church was built on the site of a Mosque, which was destroyed in 1882, after the liberation of Bulgaria by Russia from the Ottoman Empire.
The Russian church was built as the official church of the Russian Embassy, which was located next door, and of the Russian community in Sofia, and was named, as was the tradition for diplomatic churches, for the patron saint of the Emperor who ruled Russia at the time, Nicholas II of Russia.
The five domes are coated with gold. The bells were donated by Emperor Nicholas II.
In the history of modern Bulgarian State, the functions of head of State have been performed by a monarch, a Regency Council and, later on, by collegial bodies like a Presidium of the National Assembly and a State Council. The institution of President of the Republic has a relatively recent history and is associated with Bulgaria’s transition to democracy and with the new structuring of institutions within the context of this transition.
The presidential institution in Bulgaria came into being upon the adoption of the country’s new Constitution on 12 July 1991. The establishment of a republic with a parliamentary system of government was accordingly accompanied by introduction of the institution of President of the Republic as head of State.
The President, as head of State is traditionally Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. This function is performed both in peacetime and in wartime. The President is empowered to appoint and discharge the highest command personnel of the Armed Forces and to award the highest military ranks, acting on a recommendation by the Council of Ministers.
The President practically governs the country during the period between a dissolution of the National Assembly and the conduct of early parliamentary elections. In this case, the President appoints a caretaker cabinet, which is accountable to him or her.
The prisident office is in the Presidency building located at 2 Dondukov Blvd.
32 residents recomanen
President of Republic of Bulgaria
2 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar DondukovIn the history of modern Bulgarian State, the functions of head of State have been performed by a monarch, a Regency Council and, later on, by collegial bodies like a Presidium of the National Assembly and a State Council. The institution of President of the Republic has a relatively recent history and is associated with Bulgaria’s transition to democracy and with the new structuring of institutions within the context of this transition.
The presidential institution in Bulgaria came into being upon the adoption of the country’s new Constitution on 12 July 1991. The establishment of a republic with a parliamentary system of government was accordingly accompanied by introduction of the institution of President of the Republic as head of State.
The President, as head of State is traditionally Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. This function is performed both in peacetime and in wartime. The President is empowered to appoint and discharge the highest command personnel of the Armed Forces and to award the highest military ranks, acting on a recommendation by the Council of Ministers.
The President practically governs the country during the period between a dissolution of the National Assembly and the conduct of early parliamentary elections. In this case, the President appoints a caretaker cabinet, which is accountable to him or her.
The prisident office is in the Presidency building located at 2 Dondukov Blvd.
Council of ministers building is where the Bulgarian prime-minister is working. The prime-minister office’s windows are facing the Presidency which is 100 meters from the Government building.
The building of the Council of ministers is part of the so called Largo which is an architectural ensemble of three Socialist classicism buildings built in the 1950s with the intention to become the city’s new representative centre.
Today Council of ministers building is regarded as one of the prime examples of Socialist Classicism architecture and is one of thee main landmarks of Sofia.
The ensemble consists of the former Party House – the headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist party, now used as administrative offices by the National Assembly . This edifice is in the centre and is surrounded by:TZUM department store,the Council of Ministers building, the President”s office, Hotel Sheraton and the Ministry of Education.
A Council of Ministers of Bulgaria decree was published in 1951 regarding the construction of the Largo.
The centre of the city was damaged by the bombing of Sofia during World War II so in the autumn of 1952 new reconstruction started.
The Party House building, once crowned by a red star on a pole was completed in 1955, while the TZUM part of the edifice followed in 1957. The five-pointed red star has often served since 1917 as a symbol of communism. One interpretation sees the five points as representing the five fingers of the worker’s hand, as well as the five continents.
The fountain between the President’s Office and the National archeological museum was shaped in 1958. The Largo also once featured a statue of Vladimir Lenin, which was later removed and replaced by the one of St. Sophia in 2000.
The Council of Ministers is the main authority of the executive power in the Republic of Bulgaria. It consists of the Prime Minister of Bulgaria and all the specialized ministers
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Council of Ministers
1 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar DondukovCouncil of ministers building is where the Bulgarian prime-minister is working. The prime-minister office’s windows are facing the Presidency which is 100 meters from the Government building.
The building of the Council of ministers is part of the so called Largo which is an architectural ensemble of three Socialist classicism buildings built in the 1950s with the intention to become the city’s new representative centre.
Today Council of ministers building is regarded as one of the prime examples of Socialist Classicism architecture and is one of thee main landmarks of Sofia.
The ensemble consists of the former Party House – the headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist party, now used as administrative offices by the National Assembly . This edifice is in the centre and is surrounded by:TZUM department store,the Council of Ministers building, the President”s office, Hotel Sheraton and the Ministry of Education.
A Council of Ministers of Bulgaria decree was published in 1951 regarding the construction of the Largo.
The centre of the city was damaged by the bombing of Sofia during World War II so in the autumn of 1952 new reconstruction started.
The Party House building, once crowned by a red star on a pole was completed in 1955, while the TZUM part of the edifice followed in 1957. The five-pointed red star has often served since 1917 as a symbol of communism. One interpretation sees the five points as representing the five fingers of the worker’s hand, as well as the five continents.
The fountain between the President’s Office and the National archeological museum was shaped in 1958. The Largo also once featured a statue of Vladimir Lenin, which was later removed and replaced by the one of St. Sophia in 2000.
The Council of Ministers is the main authority of the executive power in the Republic of Bulgaria. It consists of the Prime Minister of Bulgaria and all the specialized ministers
It was this church that gave the city of Sofia its name in the 1300s during the Second Bulgarian Empire.
This unassuming red brick building goes right back to Byzantine times and was founded in the 500s on top of the ancient city of Serdica’s necropolis, as well as an older church from a century before.
When you visit you can see the remnants of this ancient church and the tombs that date back more than 1500 years.
For two centuries after the Ottoman invasion this was a mosque, but was abandoned after one earthquake in the 1800s brought the minaret down and another killed the Imam’s two son’s.
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St. Sofia Church - The Crypt
1 ul. "Paris"It was this church that gave the city of Sofia its name in the 1300s during the Second Bulgarian Empire.
This unassuming red brick building goes right back to Byzantine times and was founded in the 500s on top of the ancient city of Serdica’s necropolis, as well as an older church from a century before.
When you visit you can see the remnants of this ancient church and the tombs that date back more than 1500 years.
For two centuries after the Ottoman invasion this was a mosque, but was abandoned after one earthquake in the 1800s brought the minaret down and another killed the Imam’s two son’s.
It was designed by Mimar Sinan, the epoch-defining Turkish architect responsible for spectacular works across the Ottoman Empire during this period.
Banya Bashi is from 1576, built at the very beginning of the city’s Ottoman period.
The name comes from Sofia’s mineral baths, which had attracted visitors throughout the region during the 1500s.
The mosque can fit 700 worshippers, and if you pass on Fridays you’ll notice many stragglers outside listening via the mosque’s external loudspeaker.
45 residents recomanen
Banya Bashi Mosque
18 булевард „кн. Мария Луиза“It was designed by Mimar Sinan, the epoch-defining Turkish architect responsible for spectacular works across the Ottoman Empire during this period.
Banya Bashi is from 1576, built at the very beginning of the city’s Ottoman period.
The name comes from Sofia’s mineral baths, which had attracted visitors throughout the region during the 1500s.
The mosque can fit 700 worshippers, and if you pass on Fridays you’ll notice many stragglers outside listening via the mosque’s external loudspeaker.
Sofia has a lot of spring activity, and these waters have drawn visitors since medieval times.
The Ottomans developed their own hammam at this site, and when it was destroyed following the Bulgarian Revival a new city bathing complex was built.
The Central Baths date to 1913 and were in use up until the mid-80s.
It’s one of Sofia’s most photographed buildings, constructed in the neo-byzantine style with a large dome behind an impressive vestibule.
The gardens are open to the public and the fountain at the centre is fed by the hot natural mineral water. You’re free to try it if you’re brave enough!
78 residents recomanen
Museu d'Història Regional - Sofia
1 Platno.„Banski"Sofia has a lot of spring activity, and these waters have drawn visitors since medieval times.
The Ottomans developed their own hammam at this site, and when it was destroyed following the Bulgarian Revival a new city bathing complex was built.
The Central Baths date to 1913 and were in use up until the mid-80s.
It’s one of Sofia’s most photographed buildings, constructed in the neo-byzantine style with a large dome behind an impressive vestibule.
The gardens are open to the public and the fountain at the centre is fed by the hot natural mineral water. You’re free to try it if you’re brave enough!
Sofia’s own Roman amphitheatre wasn’t discovered until 2004.
In its day it was one of the largest in the Roman empire, holding gladiator fights and grisly battles pitting men against wild beasts.
What’s also interesting about this arena is the way it had three lives: First it was a theatre, then an amphitheatre that was sacked by the Goths.
In the 400s the arena was rebuilt but was abandoned not long after.
After it was unearthed it became integrated into the design of the Arena di Serdica hotel, but visitors off the street are free to look down at the ruins from the hotel’s specially-designed gallery.
19 residents recomanen
Amphitheatre of Serdica
4 ul. BudapeshtaSofia’s own Roman amphitheatre wasn’t discovered until 2004.
In its day it was one of the largest in the Roman empire, holding gladiator fights and grisly battles pitting men against wild beasts.
What’s also interesting about this arena is the way it had three lives: First it was a theatre, then an amphitheatre that was sacked by the Goths.
In the 400s the arena was rebuilt but was abandoned not long after.
After it was unearthed it became integrated into the design of the Arena di Serdica hotel, but visitors off the street are free to look down at the ruins from the hotel’s specially-designed gallery.
Zhenski Pazar Market (Bulgarian: “Женски пазар”) is the oldest market in Sofia. Established more than 140 years ago, it has become one of the most important trading centres in the metropolitan city.
Zhenski Pazar Market has always been known as the place where one can find everything needed… starting from fresh fruit and vegetables by Bulgarian farmers, going through traditional souvenirs, clothing, fresh meat and dairy products, and ending up with exotic foreign spices and condiments.
The market is an attractive tourist destination in Sofia, and the colourful merchants and their merchandise, combined with the authentic urban architecture attract increasing numbers of tourists.
The market is located in the so-called Area of Tolerance in Sofia. The name itself is coined after the close proximity of the temples of all the official religious communities in Bulgaria. Here you can find the church “Saints Cyril and Methodius“, the “Banya bashi” Mosque, and the Central Synagogue of Sofia.
Almost 60 000 visit Zhenski Pazar Market every day.
39 residents recomanen
Mercat de Dones
bulevard "Stefan Stambolov"Zhenski Pazar Market (Bulgarian: “Женски пазар”) is the oldest market in Sofia. Established more than 140 years ago, it has become one of the most important trading centres in the metropolitan city.
Zhenski Pazar Market has always been known as the place where one can find everything needed… starting from fresh fruit and vegetables by Bulgarian farmers, going through traditional souvenirs, clothing, fresh meat and dairy products, and ending up with exotic foreign spices and condiments.
The market is an attractive tourist destination in Sofia, and the colourful merchants and their merchandise, combined with the authentic urban architecture attract increasing numbers of tourists.
The market is located in the so-called Area of Tolerance in Sofia. The name itself is coined after the close proximity of the temples of all the official religious communities in Bulgaria. Here you can find the church “Saints Cyril and Methodius“, the “Banya bashi” Mosque, and the Central Synagogue of Sofia.
Almost 60 000 visit Zhenski Pazar Market every day.
Lion’s bridge is one of the landmarks of the Bulgarian capital city. It is located on the crossing of Maria Louisa Boulevard and Slivnitsa Boulevard and serves as a bridge on Vladayska River.
Since 2012 there is subway station located below Lion’s bridge square.
In the times before the Liberation Lion’s bridge was used by the Turkish law enforcers to execute the uprising Bulgarian scholars and revolutionaries, which were criminals in the eyes of the sultan. Thus after the Liberation the idea came that the people should honor the wrongfully executed by replacing the previous Turkish one with a memorial bridge with the bronze statues of four lions. Why lions? The lion is a symbol of the tenacity of Bulgarian revolutionaries. In 1891 the bridge was complete, however the project didn’t go through all the way and the square wasn’t established as planned. In 2014 a full scale reconstruction was done attempting to bring out the original idea and the Lion’s bridge square is now a fully-fledged pedestrian zone which is decorated in an early 20th century manner.
The area around Lion’s bridge retains part of the atmosphere of the early days of liberated Sofia. Most of the buildings around it are the original ones. Even the outdoors market place, which was established in 1878, is still there being very busy. The area around the bridge is surrounded by Turkish bakeries and kebab places. Not all heritages from the Ottoman rule are gruesome!
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Lion's Bridge Station
Lion’s bridge is one of the landmarks of the Bulgarian capital city. It is located on the crossing of Maria Louisa Boulevard and Slivnitsa Boulevard and serves as a bridge on Vladayska River.
Since 2012 there is subway station located below Lion’s bridge square.
In the times before the Liberation Lion’s bridge was used by the Turkish law enforcers to execute the uprising Bulgarian scholars and revolutionaries, which were criminals in the eyes of the sultan. Thus after the Liberation the idea came that the people should honor the wrongfully executed by replacing the previous Turkish one with a memorial bridge with the bronze statues of four lions. Why lions? The lion is a symbol of the tenacity of Bulgarian revolutionaries. In 1891 the bridge was complete, however the project didn’t go through all the way and the square wasn’t established as planned. In 2014 a full scale reconstruction was done attempting to bring out the original idea and the Lion’s bridge square is now a fully-fledged pedestrian zone which is decorated in an early 20th century manner.
The area around Lion’s bridge retains part of the atmosphere of the early days of liberated Sofia. Most of the buildings around it are the original ones. Even the outdoors market place, which was established in 1878, is still there being very busy. The area around the bridge is surrounded by Turkish bakeries and kebab places. Not all heritages from the Ottoman rule are gruesome!
The church St.St.Cyril and Methodius is located in the real center of Sofia and is devoted to the Cyril and Methodius brothers (creators of Slavic alphabet) and their five disciples Kliment, Naum, Sava, Gorazd, and Angelariy.
The church was built over the ruins the former Black Mosque in the beginning of XX-th century. The Black Mosque was a part of the second mosque complex and was the biggest work of the prominent Ottoman architect Mimar Kodja Sinan in the Rumelia district.
After the Liberation (1878) the mosque was used as military warehouse, later as prison. In 1901-1903 the mosque was reconstructed in Orthodox temple with the donations of Sofia citizens.
The church architecture involves elements of the church building from the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The clock at the west façade is quite impressive, it was worked out in the 30s of XX-th century. It is a rare element, not typical for the Bulgarian church architecture.
Saints Cyril and Methodius Church
47 ul. "George Washington"The church St.St.Cyril and Methodius is located in the real center of Sofia and is devoted to the Cyril and Methodius brothers (creators of Slavic alphabet) and their five disciples Kliment, Naum, Sava, Gorazd, and Angelariy.
The church was built over the ruins the former Black Mosque in the beginning of XX-th century. The Black Mosque was a part of the second mosque complex and was the biggest work of the prominent Ottoman architect Mimar Kodja Sinan in the Rumelia district.
After the Liberation (1878) the mosque was used as military warehouse, later as prison. In 1901-1903 the mosque was reconstructed in Orthodox temple with the donations of Sofia citizens.
The church architecture involves elements of the church building from the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. The clock at the west façade is quite impressive, it was worked out in the 30s of XX-th century. It is a rare element, not typical for the Bulgarian church architecture.
The Central Sofia Market Hall is a covered market in the center of Sofia city, on Maria Louise Blvd. also known as Halite .
It was opened back in 1911 and today is an one of the strategic shopping locations in the city.
The style is Neo-Renaissance, and features elements of Neo-Byzantine as well as Neo-Baroque architecture. Interesting features on the facade include the relief of the coat of arms of Sofia above the main entrance and the famous small clock tower with three dials on top of the edifice.
Central Sofia Market Hall was originally constructed with 4 entrances, only 3 are used today.
Central Sofia Market Hall was designed by architect Naum Torbov in ‘Renaissance’ style, combined with traditional elements of the Hellenistic tectonics.
Above the main entrance, in an arched area, is depicted the coat of arms of the city by the artist Haralambi Tachev. Above it, in an arched turret, was mounted a clock with a triple clock-face.
Central Sofia Market Hall is the work of the distinguished craftsman from Kostur (which today is the greek city Kastoria) – Tarpo Kiselinchev, who was among the most prominent artificers – builders of the Ottoman Empire. His son, Georgi, also became a good builder and participated in the construction of the “Market Hall” and the Central Mineral Baths in Sofia. Works of the Kostur construction fellowship are also the tiling of the “St. Alexander Nevsky” church, the American College and others.
In 1988, the Market Hall was closed for reconstruction and renewal, which, due to the political changes and the change of municipal authorities went through many ups and downs.
On May 30th 2000, the building of the Market Hall, following an internal architectural reconstruction, was once again opened. Today, the three-storey commercial bazaar houses 169 stores and 1,000 employees.
On the basement floor are preserved and exposed archaeological remains from Roman times, of the old city of Serdica. According to archaeologists, on the very same site was situated the Thracian “Sanctuary of the Nymphs”, built around one of the many mineral springs.
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Mercat Central de Sofia
25 булевард „кн. Мария Луиза“The Central Sofia Market Hall is a covered market in the center of Sofia city, on Maria Louise Blvd. also known as Halite .
It was opened back in 1911 and today is an one of the strategic shopping locations in the city.
The style is Neo-Renaissance, and features elements of Neo-Byzantine as well as Neo-Baroque architecture. Interesting features on the facade include the relief of the coat of arms of Sofia above the main entrance and the famous small clock tower with three dials on top of the edifice.
Central Sofia Market Hall was originally constructed with 4 entrances, only 3 are used today.
Central Sofia Market Hall was designed by architect Naum Torbov in ‘Renaissance’ style, combined with traditional elements of the Hellenistic tectonics.
Above the main entrance, in an arched area, is depicted the coat of arms of the city by the artist Haralambi Tachev. Above it, in an arched turret, was mounted a clock with a triple clock-face.
Central Sofia Market Hall is the work of the distinguished craftsman from Kostur (which today is the greek city Kastoria) – Tarpo Kiselinchev, who was among the most prominent artificers – builders of the Ottoman Empire. His son, Georgi, also became a good builder and participated in the construction of the “Market Hall” and the Central Mineral Baths in Sofia. Works of the Kostur construction fellowship are also the tiling of the “St. Alexander Nevsky” church, the American College and others.
In 1988, the Market Hall was closed for reconstruction and renewal, which, due to the political changes and the change of municipal authorities went through many ups and downs.
On May 30th 2000, the building of the Market Hall, following an internal architectural reconstruction, was once again opened. Today, the three-storey commercial bazaar houses 169 stores and 1,000 employees.
On the basement floor are preserved and exposed archaeological remains from Roman times, of the old city of Serdica. According to archaeologists, on the very same site was situated the Thracian “Sanctuary of the Nymphs”, built around one of the many mineral springs.
The heart of ancient Serdica and the oldest building in modern Sofia, this red brick church was built all the way back in 300s.
It’s a wonder that this building has survived unscathed for such an amount of time, and all around are interesting little details that hit home the great age of the site and civilisations that have passed though.
Step inside to view the detailed medieval frescoes that had been painted over by the Ottomans when the church was converted to a mosque in the 1600s.
These were only rediscovered and restored in the 1990s. Outside you can see the flagstones of a Roman street and other remnants of Ancient Serdica.
74 residents recomanen
Església de Sant Jordi de la Rotonda
2 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar DondukovThe heart of ancient Serdica and the oldest building in modern Sofia, this red brick church was built all the way back in 300s.
It’s a wonder that this building has survived unscathed for such an amount of time, and all around are interesting little details that hit home the great age of the site and civilisations that have passed though.
Step inside to view the detailed medieval frescoes that had been painted over by the Ottomans when the church was converted to a mosque in the 1600s.
These were only rediscovered and restored in the 1990s. Outside you can see the flagstones of a Roman street and other remnants of Ancient Serdica.
Sveta Nedelia square is in the heart and the very center of Sofia. At the square rises the old and beautiful church with the same name – Holy Sunday church or Sveta Nedelia.
Sveta Nedelia square is considered the very center of the city of Sofia .
Sveta Nedelia lies directly above the ancient crossroads of Serdica (Sofia’s previous name)
In communist times the square was called Lenin square.
Behind the square is also the Balkan hotel.
There is also a huge willow tree which offers great shadow during the hot days.
108 residents recomanen
Catedral de Sant Kyriaki
20 pl. "Sveta Nedelya"Sveta Nedelia square is in the heart and the very center of Sofia. At the square rises the old and beautiful church with the same name – Holy Sunday church or Sveta Nedelia.
Sveta Nedelia square is considered the very center of the city of Sofia .
Sveta Nedelia lies directly above the ancient crossroads of Serdica (Sofia’s previous name)
In communist times the square was called Lenin square.
Behind the square is also the Balkan hotel.
There is also a huge willow tree which offers great shadow during the hot days.
The fanciest street in the city, Vitosha Boulevard is where all the posh boutiques and fashion houses are clustered.
If you’re not an upmarket shopper then you can just console yourself with those arresting views of Vitosha Mountain which is capped with a dusting of snow for much of the year and framed by the street’s tall buildings.
It’s a thoroughly pleasant place to spend a couple of hours; the cafes along the pedestrian street have outdoor seating and in recent years the lampposts, benches and kiosks have been redesigned into an elegant art nouveau style, recalling the early years of the Bulgarian Revival.
21 residents recomanen
bulevard "Vitosha"
bulevard "Vitosha"The fanciest street in the city, Vitosha Boulevard is where all the posh boutiques and fashion houses are clustered.
If you’re not an upmarket shopper then you can just console yourself with those arresting views of Vitosha Mountain which is capped with a dusting of snow for much of the year and framed by the street’s tall buildings.
It’s a thoroughly pleasant place to spend a couple of hours; the cafes along the pedestrian street have outdoor seating and in recent years the lampposts, benches and kiosks have been redesigned into an elegant art nouveau style, recalling the early years of the Bulgarian Revival.
National palace of culture was opened in 1981 in celebration of Bulgaria’s 1300th anniversary.
Its halls are well designed and equipped with comfortable seats. Many world famous singers, musicians and dancers have performed here over the years
The National Palace of Culture was initiated by a suggestion of Lyudmila Zhivkova, daughter of the communist leader of the former People’s Republic of Bulgaria Todor Zhivkov).
Internally, the National palace of culture has a unified style, employing an octagonal motif and heavy, dark colours. Large bright murals depicting historical figures and events cover the main wall of many of the smaller halls.
In July 2005, the National Palace of Culture was proclaimed the best congress centre in the world for the year by the International Organization of Congress Centres.
It has an area of 123,000 m² on eight floors and three underground levels.
The National Palace of Culture has 13 halls and 15,000 m² of exhibition area, a trade centre and a car park. The main hall can seat over 3,000 people.
Sofia International Film Festival, an annual film festival takes place here.
182 residents recomanen
Parc del Palau Nacional de la Cultura
Bulevard "Bulgaria"National palace of culture was opened in 1981 in celebration of Bulgaria’s 1300th anniversary.
Its halls are well designed and equipped with comfortable seats. Many world famous singers, musicians and dancers have performed here over the years
The National Palace of Culture was initiated by a suggestion of Lyudmila Zhivkova, daughter of the communist leader of the former People’s Republic of Bulgaria Todor Zhivkov).
Internally, the National palace of culture has a unified style, employing an octagonal motif and heavy, dark colours. Large bright murals depicting historical figures and events cover the main wall of many of the smaller halls.
In July 2005, the National Palace of Culture was proclaimed the best congress centre in the world for the year by the International Organization of Congress Centres.
It has an area of 123,000 m² on eight floors and three underground levels.
The National Palace of Culture has 13 halls and 15,000 m² of exhibition area, a trade centre and a car park. The main hall can seat over 3,000 people.
Sofia International Film Festival, an annual film festival takes place here.
The Viennese architects Helmer & Fellner, responsible for a catalogue of extravagant buildings across Central Europe, built this theatre in 1909.
True to form the Ivan Vazov National Theatre is a grand neoclassical structure that remains the last word in Bulgarian culture to this day.
The building with its towering portico is an iconic sight for Bulgaria, appearing on banknotes, and is most famous for its drama productions.
Chief Director here is Alexander Morfov, responsible for acclaimed Bulgarian and Russian language adaptations of Don Quixote and Shakespeare plays in here and in Russia.
276 residents recomanen
Teatre Nacional Ivan Vazov
5 ul. "Dyakon Ignatiy"The Viennese architects Helmer & Fellner, responsible for a catalogue of extravagant buildings across Central Europe, built this theatre in 1909.
True to form the Ivan Vazov National Theatre is a grand neoclassical structure that remains the last word in Bulgarian culture to this day.
The building with its towering portico is an iconic sight for Bulgaria, appearing on banknotes, and is most famous for its drama productions.
Chief Director here is Alexander Morfov, responsible for acclaimed Bulgarian and Russian language adaptations of Don Quixote and Shakespeare plays in here and in Russia.
Sofia’s most famous park was landscaped in the 1880s right after the Bulgarian Revival, making it the oldest one in the city.
It was developed over the next 50 years by three different designers: the Swiss Daniel Neff, the Alsatian Joseph Frei and then the Bulgarian Georgi Dutev (when the park’s Soviet monuments were installed).
But what’s impressive is that all the landscapers worked within the original plan, and the upshot is a pleasing sense of coherence for such a big project.
It all makes for a refreshing afternoon amble, and if you’re here on a summer evening there are free concerts to catch.
202 residents recomanen
Borisova Gradina
Sofia’s most famous park was landscaped in the 1880s right after the Bulgarian Revival, making it the oldest one in the city.
It was developed over the next 50 years by three different designers: the Swiss Daniel Neff, the Alsatian Joseph Frei and then the Bulgarian Georgi Dutev (when the park’s Soviet monuments were installed).
But what’s impressive is that all the landscapers worked within the original plan, and the upshot is a pleasing sense of coherence for such a big project.
It all makes for a refreshing afternoon amble, and if you’re here on a summer evening there are free concerts to catch.
Sofia has the largest synagogue in the Balkan region, and the third-largest in Europe.
It was built for Sofia’s sizeable Sephardic Jewish population in 1909 and Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria was here when it was inaugurated.
More than 1,000 people can fit inside this cavernous building which is in the Moorish Revival style inspired by the old Sephardic temple in Vienna, destroyed in 1938.
Step inside to see the permanent exhibition about the history of Bulgaria’s Jewish communities.
54 residents recomanen
Sofia Synagogue
16 Exarch Joseph StreetSofia has the largest synagogue in the Balkan region, and the third-largest in Europe.
It was built for Sofia’s sizeable Sephardic Jewish population in 1909 and Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria was here when it was inaugurated.
More than 1,000 people can fit inside this cavernous building which is in the Moorish Revival style inspired by the old Sephardic temple in Vienna, destroyed in 1938.
Step inside to see the permanent exhibition about the history of Bulgaria’s Jewish communities.
The SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library is the national library of Bulgaria, situated in the capital city of Sofia. Founded on 4 April 1878, the library received the status of Bulgarian National Library three years later and the Bulgarian National Revival Archive was merged into it in 1924.
It is named after "SS. Cyril and Methodius"; Saints Cyril and Methodius. They are the creators of the Glagolitic alphabet. The Cyrillic alphabet is named after Cyril.
The present building of the library is among the landmarks of Sofia. It was designed by the famous Bulgarian architectural team Vasilyov-Dimitur Tsolov and completed in the period 1940-1953.
42 residents recomanen
Biblioteca Nacional de Sant Ciril i Sant Metod
bulevard "Vasil Levski"The SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library is the national library of Bulgaria, situated in the capital city of Sofia. Founded on 4 April 1878, the library received the status of Bulgarian National Library three years later and the Bulgarian National Revival Archive was merged into it in 1924.
It is named after "SS. Cyril and Methodius"; Saints Cyril and Methodius. They are the creators of the Glagolitic alphabet. The Cyrillic alphabet is named after Cyril.
The present building of the library is among the landmarks of Sofia. It was designed by the famous Bulgarian architectural team Vasilyov-Dimitur Tsolov and completed in the period 1940-1953.
The Monument to Vasil Levski is one of the first monuments to be built in the then newly liberated Principality of Bulgaria.
It commemorates the hanging of Bulgarian national hero and major revolutionary figure Vasil Levski on the same spot on 18 February 1873.
He was a Bulgarian revolutionary and a national hero of Bulgaria. He was called the Apostle of Freedom.
Levski organised a revolutionary movement to liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Founding the Internal Revolutionary Organisation, Levski formed a nationwide uprising through a network of secret regional committees.
The monument is 13 m high, made of grey Balkan granite and designed by Czech architect Antonín Kolář. The bronze bas-relief of the head of Levski, part of the monument, was created by Josef Strachovský (or, according to other sources, Austrian sculptor Rudolf Weyr), whereas Italian Abramo Peruchelli did the stonecutting work.
The monument was inaugurated on 22 October 1895, but was planned and worked on ever since the Liberation of Bulgaria in 1878, the construction being stopped by lack of funds , and taking a whole 17 years. This started a wave of indignation among the Bulgarian intellectuals of the time.
The life of Vasil Levski has been widely featured in Bulgarian literature and popular culture. Songs devoted to Levski can be found in the folklore tradition of Macedonia as well.
Several institutions in Bulgaria have been named in Vasil Levski’s honour; these include the football club PFC Levski and the national stadium..
24 residents recomanen
Monument a Vasil Levski
bulevard "Vasil Levski"The Monument to Vasil Levski is one of the first monuments to be built in the then newly liberated Principality of Bulgaria.
It commemorates the hanging of Bulgarian national hero and major revolutionary figure Vasil Levski on the same spot on 18 February 1873.
He was a Bulgarian revolutionary and a national hero of Bulgaria. He was called the Apostle of Freedom.
Levski organised a revolutionary movement to liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Founding the Internal Revolutionary Organisation, Levski formed a nationwide uprising through a network of secret regional committees.
The monument is 13 m high, made of grey Balkan granite and designed by Czech architect Antonín Kolář. The bronze bas-relief of the head of Levski, part of the monument, was created by Josef Strachovský (or, according to other sources, Austrian sculptor Rudolf Weyr), whereas Italian Abramo Peruchelli did the stonecutting work.
The monument was inaugurated on 22 October 1895, but was planned and worked on ever since the Liberation of Bulgaria in 1878, the construction being stopped by lack of funds , and taking a whole 17 years. This started a wave of indignation among the Bulgarian intellectuals of the time.
The life of Vasil Levski has been widely featured in Bulgarian literature and popular culture. Songs devoted to Levski can be found in the folklore tradition of Macedonia as well.
Several institutions in Bulgaria have been named in Vasil Levski’s honour; these include the football club PFC Levski and the national stadium..
To the north side of the Alexander Battenberg Square is an elegant building known as the Tzar’s Palace – former Royal Palace. It is nowadays home to the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum.
The Tzar's Palace - former Royal Palace
The Tsar’s Palace was built in 1873, and during the Ottoman occupation, it became the residence of the ruling governor, with administrative offices and police headquarters on the lower floors. It was here that Vassil Levski, the great Bulgarian revolutionary, was tried and sentenced to death. Vassil Levski was leader of the national revolutionary movement against the Ottoman rule and a national hero of Bulgaria.
After the liberation, the Tsar’s Palace was the first building to be refurbished in contemporary Viennese style and it became the seat of Bulgaria’s first post-liberation monarch, Kniaz Alexander Battenberg.
Царски дворец
9 ul. "Moskovska"To the north side of the Alexander Battenberg Square is an elegant building known as the Tzar’s Palace – former Royal Palace. It is nowadays home to the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum.
The Tzar's Palace - former Royal Palace
The Tsar’s Palace was built in 1873, and during the Ottoman occupation, it became the residence of the ruling governor, with administrative offices and police headquarters on the lower floors. It was here that Vassil Levski, the great Bulgarian revolutionary, was tried and sentenced to death. Vassil Levski was leader of the national revolutionary movement against the Ottoman rule and a national hero of Bulgaria.
After the liberation, the Tsar’s Palace was the first building to be refurbished in contemporary Viennese style and it became the seat of Bulgaria’s first post-liberation monarch, Kniaz Alexander Battenberg.
Roman Catholicism is the forth largest religious congregation in Bulgaria, after Eastern Orhtodoxy, Islam and Protestanism. It has roots in the country since the Middle ages and is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope in Rome.
Bulgarian Catholics live predominantly in the regions of Svishtov and Plovdiv and are mostly descendants of the heretical Christian sect of the Paulicians, which converted to Roman Catholicism in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The largest Roman Catholic Bulgarian town is Rakovski in the Plovdiv region.
Ethnic Bulgarian Roman Catholics known as the Banat Bulgarians also inhabit the Central European region of Banat. Their number is unofficially estimated at about 12,000, although Romanian censuses count only 6,500 Banat Bulgarians in the Romanian part of the region.
Saint Joseph is the largest Catholic cathedral in Bulgaria , has 350 seats and can hold up to 1,000 worshipers. The cathedral is 23 metres long, 15 metres wide and is 19 metres high, with a roof height of 23 metres and the tower is equipped with four electronically operated bells, is 33 metres high.
Over the altar stands a 7 meter wooden cross of Christ. Under the cross is the icon of Mary (mother of Jesus), given by Patriarch Maxim at the dedication of the temple.
The cathedral, rebuilt at its previous location after it was destroyed by bombing raids during World war II,was inaugurated on 21 May 2006 in the presence of the Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano of the Roman Catholic Church.
The foundation stone of the new cathedral was laid personally by Pope Paul II during his visit to Bulgaria in 2002.
15 residents recomanen
Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph
146 ul. "Knyaz Boris I"Roman Catholicism is the forth largest religious congregation in Bulgaria, after Eastern Orhtodoxy, Islam and Protestanism. It has roots in the country since the Middle ages and is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope in Rome.
Bulgarian Catholics live predominantly in the regions of Svishtov and Plovdiv and are mostly descendants of the heretical Christian sect of the Paulicians, which converted to Roman Catholicism in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The largest Roman Catholic Bulgarian town is Rakovski in the Plovdiv region.
Ethnic Bulgarian Roman Catholics known as the Banat Bulgarians also inhabit the Central European region of Banat. Their number is unofficially estimated at about 12,000, although Romanian censuses count only 6,500 Banat Bulgarians in the Romanian part of the region.
Saint Joseph is the largest Catholic cathedral in Bulgaria , has 350 seats and can hold up to 1,000 worshipers. The cathedral is 23 metres long, 15 metres wide and is 19 metres high, with a roof height of 23 metres and the tower is equipped with four electronically operated bells, is 33 metres high.
Over the altar stands a 7 meter wooden cross of Christ. Under the cross is the icon of Mary (mother of Jesus), given by Patriarch Maxim at the dedication of the temple.
The cathedral, rebuilt at its previous location after it was destroyed by bombing raids during World war II,was inaugurated on 21 May 2006 in the presence of the Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano of the Roman Catholic Church.
The foundation stone of the new cathedral was laid personally by Pope Paul II during his visit to Bulgaria in 2002.
The Sofia Court House or Palace of Justice is a building in Sofia, accommodating all the courts in the city.
Stylistically a simplistic yet monumental structure, it is located on 2 Vitosha Boulevard, surrounded by Alabin Street, Lavele Street and Positano Street.
The need for a common building to house all the courts in Sofia was raised in 1926 with the foundation of the Judicial Buildings fund.
Construction of the Palace of Justice began in 1929 and finished in 1940. While it was the first structure in this strict monumental style in the city, it was followed by the Bulgarian National Bank in the 1930s and the Largo in the 1950s. The initial architectural plan was the work of Nikola Lazarov, later redesigned by Pencho Koychev.
The Court House is made of white limestone and a noticeable cornice below the top floor.
The four-storey building (with two additional underground floors) spreads over a ground area of 8,500 square metres and has 430 premises, of which 24 courtrooms, a library and a bank hall, totalling 48,000 square metres of used area.
The facade features five large gates and 12 columns. In its style, the Court House is eclectic, uniting several Classical themes, with a fourth floor instead of a baluster, as well as Roman and Byzantine style decorations on the doors, windows and corbels.
In the period 1980-1998 the building housed the National museum of history.
32 residents recomanen
Palau de Justícia de Sofia
2 bul. "Vitosha"The Sofia Court House or Palace of Justice is a building in Sofia, accommodating all the courts in the city.
Stylistically a simplistic yet monumental structure, it is located on 2 Vitosha Boulevard, surrounded by Alabin Street, Lavele Street and Positano Street.
The need for a common building to house all the courts in Sofia was raised in 1926 with the foundation of the Judicial Buildings fund.
Construction of the Palace of Justice began in 1929 and finished in 1940. While it was the first structure in this strict monumental style in the city, it was followed by the Bulgarian National Bank in the 1930s and the Largo in the 1950s. The initial architectural plan was the work of Nikola Lazarov, later redesigned by Pencho Koychev.
The Court House is made of white limestone and a noticeable cornice below the top floor.
The four-storey building (with two additional underground floors) spreads over a ground area of 8,500 square metres and has 430 premises, of which 24 courtrooms, a library and a bank hall, totalling 48,000 square metres of used area.
The facade features five large gates and 12 columns. In its style, the Court House is eclectic, uniting several Classical themes, with a fourth floor instead of a baluster, as well as Roman and Byzantine style decorations on the doors, windows and corbels.
In the period 1980-1998 the building housed the National museum of history.
This is the central bank of the Republic of Bulgaria with its headquarters in Sofia. The Bulgarian National Bank is one of the oldest national institutions established right after the restoration of the Bulgarian state, on January 25, 1879, and on 6 of June of the same year the first banking operation was conducted.
According to the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (article 29) the BNB is an independent issuing institution of the State reporting to the National Assembly. It plays a key role in the Bulgarian economy and takes care of maintaining the stability of the Bulgarian currency, and of strengthening and development of the banking and credit system in the country.
Bulgarian national bank
The BNB’s independence is also guaranteed by its organic Law (LBNB), and by the Treaty establishing the European Community. Since January 1, 2007 the bank is a full member of the European System of Central Banks and actively participates in the decision making process in the area of banking and finance in the European Union. The BNB Governor is a member of the General Council of the European Central Bank.
It is an independent institution responsible for issuing all banknotes and coins in the country, overseeing and regulating the banking sector and keeping the government’s currency reserves. The BNB is also the sole owner of the Bulgarian Mint, established in 1952. The Bulgarian Mint is responsible for the production of legal tender coins in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Mint also produces high quality gold and silver jubilees, medals, orders and other insignia of honour, necklaces, seals, mint collector sets and custom made badges, pins etc. The Mint is officially appointed to produce Bulgaria’s orders and medals by the Presidency of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Ministries of Defence and Internal Affairs.
Since January 1, 2007 the bank is a full member of the European System of Central Banks and actively participates in the decision making process in the area of banking and finance in the European Union. The BNB Governor is a member of the General Council of the European Central Bank.
8 residents recomanen
Bulgarian National Bank
2 пл. „Княз Александър I“This is the central bank of the Republic of Bulgaria with its headquarters in Sofia. The Bulgarian National Bank is one of the oldest national institutions established right after the restoration of the Bulgarian state, on January 25, 1879, and on 6 of June of the same year the first banking operation was conducted.
According to the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (article 29) the BNB is an independent issuing institution of the State reporting to the National Assembly. It plays a key role in the Bulgarian economy and takes care of maintaining the stability of the Bulgarian currency, and of strengthening and development of the banking and credit system in the country.
Bulgarian national bank
The BNB’s independence is also guaranteed by its organic Law (LBNB), and by the Treaty establishing the European Community. Since January 1, 2007 the bank is a full member of the European System of Central Banks and actively participates in the decision making process in the area of banking and finance in the European Union. The BNB Governor is a member of the General Council of the European Central Bank.
It is an independent institution responsible for issuing all banknotes and coins in the country, overseeing and regulating the banking sector and keeping the government’s currency reserves. The BNB is also the sole owner of the Bulgarian Mint, established in 1952. The Bulgarian Mint is responsible for the production of legal tender coins in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Mint also produces high quality gold and silver jubilees, medals, orders and other insignia of honour, necklaces, seals, mint collector sets and custom made badges, pins etc. The Mint is officially appointed to produce Bulgaria’s orders and medals by the Presidency of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Ministries of Defence and Internal Affairs.
Since January 1, 2007 the bank is a full member of the European System of Central Banks and actively participates in the decision making process in the area of banking and finance in the European Union. The BNB Governor is a member of the General Council of the European Central Bank.
These are the grounds of the stately home of the aristocrat Simeon II, who was Tsar of Bulgaria from 1943-46 before going into exile.
After returning he was prime minister from 2001-05.
The estate is only open on weekends and you can’t enter any of the buildings, but the landscaped gardens are one of the most tranquil settings in Sofia.
Multilingual guided tours take place every hour and offer fun snippets about the palace and its grounds.
For instance the estate once had an exotic menagerie, including Bulgaria’s first elephants, which were used for yardwork in the grounds!
10 residents recomanen
Parc-Museu "Vrana"
№ 55 Boulevard "Tsarigradsko shose"These are the grounds of the stately home of the aristocrat Simeon II, who was Tsar of Bulgaria from 1943-46 before going into exile.
After returning he was prime minister from 2001-05.
The estate is only open on weekends and you can’t enter any of the buildings, but the landscaped gardens are one of the most tranquil settings in Sofia.
Multilingual guided tours take place every hour and offer fun snippets about the palace and its grounds.
For instance the estate once had an exotic menagerie, including Bulgaria’s first elephants, which were used for yardwork in the grounds!
Climbing to more than 2,200 metres behind Sofia’s southwestern suburbs is Vitosha, a monumental peak in a nature park, promising more adventure than you could ever cram into one trip.
The easiest way to access Vitosha is via Aleko, the mountain’s ski resort, which is where the Simeonovo gondola lift will drop you off.
From there the walk to Vitosha’s Black Peak is surprisingly light when then weather’s good in spring or autumn, as the peak is part of a large plateau that seems to go on forever thanks to its shallow gradient.
Of course, you don’t need to go that far for an incredible, vertiginous view of Sofia.
105 residents recomanen
Vitosha
ulitsa "Detski mir"Climbing to more than 2,200 metres behind Sofia’s southwestern suburbs is Vitosha, a monumental peak in a nature park, promising more adventure than you could ever cram into one trip.
The easiest way to access Vitosha is via Aleko, the mountain’s ski resort, which is where the Simeonovo gondola lift will drop you off.
From there the walk to Vitosha’s Black Peak is surprisingly light when then weather’s good in spring or autumn, as the peak is part of a large plateau that seems to go on forever thanks to its shallow gradient.
Of course, you don’t need to go that far for an incredible, vertiginous view of Sofia.
On the lower slopes of Vitosha Mountain (which we’ll come to next) is this UNESCO heritage site.
The location of this medieval church is almost dreamlike, in a grove of tall softwood trees in a quiet suburb of the city.
Boyana Church was built in three stages from the 1000s to the 1800s, but the most important additions were made during the Second Bulgarian Empire in the 1200s.
This is when the fabulous interior frescoes were painted, depicting some 240 historical and biblical figures in a realistic style 200 years before renaissance artists were doing the same.
The paintings, by an unknown artist, include contemporary portraits of two Bulgarian rulers, Tsar Konstantin Assen and Tsar Koloyan, next to their wives.
102 residents recomanen
Museu de l'Església de Boyana
3 ul. "Boyansko ezero"On the lower slopes of Vitosha Mountain (which we’ll come to next) is this UNESCO heritage site.
The location of this medieval church is almost dreamlike, in a grove of tall softwood trees in a quiet suburb of the city.
Boyana Church was built in three stages from the 1000s to the 1800s, but the most important additions were made during the Second Bulgarian Empire in the 1200s.
This is when the fabulous interior frescoes were painted, depicting some 240 historical and biblical figures in a realistic style 200 years before renaissance artists were doing the same.
The paintings, by an unknown artist, include contemporary portraits of two Bulgarian rulers, Tsar Konstantin Assen and Tsar Koloyan, next to their wives.
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The subway is the fastest way to get around.
A single ticket in public transport is BGN 1.60. If you travel more than 2 times a day it is cheaper to get a daily card/ticket for all lines for BGN 4. Taxi is also an option - you can download yellow app or taxi.me app from google play and apple store.