Tourist info
Sofia, Bulgaria
Boasting a colorful and vast history, Sofia offers a lot of treasures to its
visitors. One of the oldest cities in Europe, the history of Sofia can be traced
back over 7000 years ago - prehistoric settlements were excavated in the centre
of the present city - near the royal palace, as well as in outer districts such
as Slatina and Obelia. The well preserved town walls from antiquity date back
before the 7th century BC, when Thracians established their city next to the
most important and highly respected mineral spring, still functioning today.
Sofia has had several names in the different periods of its existence, and
remnants of the city's millenary history can still be seen today alongside
modern landmarks.
(source: wikipedia.org)
- Alexander Nevski Cathedral
- Banya Bashi Mosque
- Baths
- Boyana Church
- The Cyril and Methodius National Library
- Eagles Bridge
- Former Tsar’s Palace
- Halite
- Holy Synod
- Ivan Vazov National Theatre
- Law Courts
- Lions Bridge
- Military Club
- National Assembly
- Presidency
- Russian Church
- Rotunda of St. George
- Roman Sofia
- Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"
- Sveta Nedelya Church
- Sveta Paraskeva Church
- Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church
- Sveta Sofia Church
- Tsar Osvoboditel Monument
- Vassil Levski Monument
- Ruski Pametnik (Russian Monument)
- Archeological Museum
- Sofia City Art Gallery
- Earth and Man Museum
- Ethnographic Museum
- National Art Gallery
- National Gallery of Foreign Art
- National History Museum
- National Military History Museum
- Natural History Museum
Named after St. Alexander Nevski, a Russian Tsar who saved Russia from invading Swedish troops in 1240 and the patron saint of Tsar Alexander II, who was also referred to as Bulgaria’s Tsar Osvoboditel (Liberator), since it was his troops that finally brought about Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule.The foundation stone of Sofia’s biggest church was laid in 1882.Built between 1904-1912 in the Neo Byzantine style, typical for Russian churches in the 19th century, the cathedral is 76 metres long and 53 metres wide and is said to hold up to 7000 people. It covers an area of 2600 square metres. The belfry is 52 metres high and houses 12 bells. Some of Russia and Bulgaria's best artists of the time worked on the interior with its five aisles and three altars. Sienna and Carrera marble in the entrance area, stained glass windows, Venetian mosaics and dramatic murals such as The Lord God Sabbath in the main cupola, and The Day of Judgement above the exit, onyx and alabaster columns on the thrones all add to the richness of the interior without making it in any way gaudy. The spectacular external golden domes were covered in gold leaf, donated by Russia in 1960 and have recently been regilded.The Russian architect A.N.Pomerantsev is also the architect of the famous GUM (State Department Store) in Moscow.
Banya Bashi MosqueThis brick building was built in 1576 as part of a larger complex around the mineral baths.
The dome has a diameter of 15 metres, and the building is the only remaining example in Bulgaria of a domed roof on a cubic base. The architect Mimar Sinan was chief architect to the Sultan and his works also include the Selim mosque in Edrine and the Blue mosque in Istanbul Turkey. It is the only working mosque in Sofia and the muezzin calls the worshippers to prayer every day with a loudspeaker on the minaret. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times.
top BathsThe beautiful building of the city’s former mineral baths has recently escaped dereliction and subsequent destruction, and is now being painstakingly restored to its former glory.
Originally completed in 1908 in the Neo Byzantine style, the building housed one large pool and two separate wings for men and women with smaller mineral pools. It will now house the City Museum as well as a spacentre. The architect was Petko Momchilov, one of Bulgaria’s most recognised architects of that era.
top Boyana ChurchOne of Bulgaria’s most significant historical treasures, listed on the Unesco World CulturalHeritage list. Set amongst tall old pine trees in the exclusive suburb of Boyana on Vitosha mountain, this quaint church dates back to the 11th century and was built in three stages (11th, 13th and 19th century). The frescoes dating back to 1259 are considered a remarkable example of realistic art from that era, a century earlier than the birth of the Italian Renaissance. 240 realistic figures, bearing the features of Bulgarian life at that time, are depicted on the walls and include portraits of Tsar Konstantin Assen and his wife Tsaritsa Irina as well as Tsar Kaloyan and his wife Dessislava. The name of the artist (or artists) is unknown and he is generally just referred to as the Boyana Master.
At the nearby museum, visitors can get a more detailed insight into the remarkable history of this church. Access to the church is restricted and only with a guide.
top The Cyril and Methodius National LibraryOfficially opened at the end of 1953, construction on this neoclassical building had started as early as 1939, but was then put on hold because of the Second World War. The Library was designed to hold 1.5 million books with a reading room for 450 people. Architects: Ivan Vasiliov & Dimitar Tzolov In the garden area directly in front there is a statue of the two brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius, added in 1975.
top Eagles BridgeBuilt in 1891, across the Perlovska River, according to a project by Kolar & Proshek, the stone bridge flanked by four bronze eagles atop four granite columns was seen to mark the entrance to the city and the start of a new era. The chosen site marked the place where Sofianites welcomed back the revolutionaries in 1878, and the eagles were seen as a symbol of freedom.
top Former Tsar’s PalaceBuilt in 1873, it was the residence of the ruling governor during the Ottoman occupation, with administrative offices and police headquarters on the lower floors. It was in fact here that Vassil Levski was tried and sentenced to death. After liberation it became the seat of the Bulgaria’s first post liberation monarch, Knyaz Alexander Battenberg and it was the first building to be refurbished in contemporary Viennese style, with Austrian architects Rumpelmaier and Gruenanger each adding new wings. It is now home to the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum. The exterior has recently been restored to its former glory and now the no doubt once splendid royal chambers require attention.
top HaliteThe former food market built in 1909 was one of the earliest of this type in the country. Fully renovated in the late 1990s, the main focus of the shops inside is once again food, with stalls selling fresh fish and special dietary foods, as well as a variety of other shops.
The ornate facade - which incorporates Byzantine and medieval Bulgarian architectural elements - has alternating layers of stone and brick, large window niches and a high central arch above thatis the city coat of arms topped by a small clock tower. Long before the Hali was built, archaeological excavations show that the site served as a gathering and market place dating back thousands of years. In the basement are archaeological remains, including Roman baths and parts of Serdica’s fortress wall. Reopened in the summer of 2000, the Hali has assumed its rightful place as the city’s central marketplace.
top Holy SynodThis beautiful ornate building was built in 1908 by Petko Momchilov and J Milanov.
Red and gold Majolica tiled friezes wrap the building, the central mosaic portrait depicts three members of the Holy Synod. Sadly much of original sculptural elements were destroyed during the Second World War. This building is the residence of the Bulgarian Patriarch and is not open to the public.
top Ivan Vazov National TheatreBuilt in 1907 by the Austrian architects Helmer & Felner, the National Theatre is one of the most ornate buildings in Sofia. The 40 metre high facade, is fronted by a large pediment, supported on six white marble columns, depicting Apollo and the muses. The twin towers that rise up behind are crowned with sculptures of the goddess Nike.
The interior was destroyed by fire in 1923, and restored again six years later increasing the theatres seating capacity to over 1000. The ornate main hall has an 850 audience capacity. The stage curtain, with its mythical firebird motive from Stravinsky’s ballet, was woven by women from Panagyurishte.
top Law CourtsBuilt between 1928 and 1936 the massive neo classical building fronted by two large bronze lions, takes up an entire block between Alabin and Pozitano St. The architect Nikolai Lazarov had won the design competition back in 1914. From 1981 till 1999 the building was home to the National History Museum but has since been restored to its former function.
top Lions BridgeAnother symbolic bridge for Sofia is on the way to the Central Railway Station north of the city center. Designed by the architect Proshek in 1890, four larger than life lion bronze sculptures flank the bridge across the Vladayska River at the top of Maria Luisa Blvd. The site used to mark the northern border of the city and was often used as an area for national celebrations.
top Military ClubThe Military Club in its hey day, prior to 9th September 1944, was the venue for many a splendid ball, attended by royalty and Sofia’s elite. Built in 1895 based on designs by the architect Antonin Kolar, the architect Nikola Lazarov also participated in the construction, The facade of this attractive Renaissance-style building was restored a few years ago as part of a UNDP-funded “Beautiful Bulgaria” project, and the Military Club is once again proving a popular venue for social events.
top National AssemblyThe slogan on the facade above the entrance "Obedinenieto Pravi Silata", loosely translated means 'United we are strong', which seems wishful for any parliament. This is the scene of regular public protests and back in 1997 the building was actually stormed and damaged, leading to the eventual downfall of the socialist party.
Built in three stages between 1884 - 1928, it was built by Bulgarian Architect, Konstantin Ivanovich who had been living and working in Vienna.
top PresidencyThe Presidency was built in the mid 1950s as part of the ‘Largo’ complex according to designs by Tzolov. Today the Bulgarian president has his official chambers here facing the archaeological museum and his rather smart guard of honour has been photographed by many a tourist.
top Russian_ChurchThis small decorative church with its golden onion domes was built between 1912 and 1914, (by many of the same workers from the nearby Nevski Cathedral) to appease a Russian diplomat afraid to worship in Bulgarian churches. The church is named after St. Nikolai ‘the miracle maker’. To this day wishes are written on slips of paper and placed in the wooden box by the white marble sarcophagus of Bishop Serafim (1881 – 1950), who is buried in the crypt. Although never canonized, he is revered by many Bulgarians as a saint.
top RotundaThis charming round red brick church dates back to the 4th century, although it did not become a church till the 6th century. It is Sofia's oldest preserved building. Having undergone major restoration work, it was reopened to the public in 1998 for the first time in 70 years. Three layers of frescoes can still be seen, the oldest dating back to the 10th century illustrating the development of monumental painting through to the 14th century. Nowadays it often hosts small art exhibits.
top Roman SofiaLong before Sofia became the capital of Bulgaria, ancient Serdika was a town of some significance. Ruins have been discovered all around the centre of town: behind and around the Sheraton Hotel, in the underpass by the Presidency and, recently, the amphitheater on Budapest St.
top Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"The University was founded in 1888 and was originally named after the brothers Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev who donated the land and funds for the construction of a university building. Their statues are seated outside the main entrance. The international design competition was originally won by Henri Breansson in 1907, his designs were however later modified by Yordan Milanov. The foundation stone having been laid in 1920, construction didn’t start till 1941 and new wings designed by L.Konstantinov were completed as late as 1985.
top Sveta Nedelya ChurchBuilt at the end of the 19th century, this church is the direct successor of several smaller churches from medieval times and is said to lie directly above the crossroads of ancient Serdica. In 1925 it was largely destroyed in a bomb blast assassination attempt on Tsar Boris III in which over 200 people were killed, although the intended victim was spared. The beautifully preserved wood carved iconostasis dates back to 1865(?)The murals were added as late as 1976.
top Sveta Paraskeva ChurchThis dramatic and imposing looking church was built in 1928 by the Bulgarian architect Anton Torniov, who had a reputation for his interest in medieval cult architecture.It is currently the seat of the alternative Synod.
top Sveti Sedmochislenitsi ChurchLooking at the pretty church that stands in the middle of the park, it is not obvious that this was once a mosque, known as the Black Mosque after the black marble that was used for the minarets. It’s current name is in reference to Sofia being liberated on the feast day of one of the Holy Seven Saints; Sveti Naum.
top Sveta Sofia ChurchThe oldest Eastern Orthodox Church in Sofia reopened to the public in 1999 after major restoration and renovation works, and once again plays an important role in the day to day rituals of Sofianites.It is in fact this church that gave its name to the present-day capital back in the 14th century.
The simple red brick church dates back to the 5th/6th century when it was the site of Serdica's necropolis. During the Ottoman yoke it was turned into a mosque, but after an earthquake in 1818 toppled the minaret and another some 40 years later killed the Imam's two sons, it was abandoned and restored as a church after liberation. In more recent months it has been the scene of a bitter dispute between rival factions of the Orthodox Church.
top Tsar Osvoboditel MonumentThis fine bronze statue portrays the Russian Tsar Alexander II on horseback and is a gesture of gratitude to the Russian Tsar and his troops who finally liberated Bulgaria in 1878 from Ottoman rule. The statue is 14 metres high by the Italian sculptor Arnaldo Zucci, who won the commission in a highly coveted competition. The monument itself was unveiled in August 1907, and the reliefs at the base of the monument depict various scenes from Bulgaria’s history of liberation.
top Vassil_Levski_MonumentAn obelisk by the Czech Architect Molar marks the spot where the revolutionary Vassil Levski was hanged in 1873. This is the first monument to be erected after liberation.
top Ruski Pametnik (Russian Monument)This was the first monument to be built in Sofia after the liberation from centuries of Turkish rule. The 10-meter high pyramid of white sandstone is sliced off at the top. The sculptor is unknown but it is certain that the monument was built in honor of Tsar Alexander II.
top Archeological MuseumThe oldest museum in Bulgaria, the museum of the archaeological institute has been in its present location the ‘Bujuk (Big) Mosque’ since 1899. The mosque itself dates back to the end of the 15th century. It recently underwent major restoration, reopening in 2000 and is without a doubt one of the most charming and interesting museums in Sofia. The setting in the white, airy 9-domed former mosque is ideal for displaying the country’s ancient treasures. Its collection includes treasures, coins and prehistorical monuments from Bulgarian soil through Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Well-displayed with Bulgarian and English captions. The highlights include the Valchitran gold treasure from the 14th century BC and the original floor mosaic from St. Sofia Church.
top Sofia City Art GalleryThe building, originally a casino till 1944, became the home of the City Gallery in the 70’s, although the gallery itself was founded in1928 and was first known as The City Museum. The collection consists of predominantly 20th century paintings and sculptures by Bulgarian artists, many of which they have donated to the gallery. The gallery often hosts musical recitals and avant-garde events.
top Earth and Man MuseumSituated just behind the Hilton hotel at the beginning of the Yuzhen Park, this museum has a fascinating, if somewhat poorly displayed, collection of giant crystals and gemstones from around the world. Unfortunately there is also very little explanation in English or other foreign language. The venue is also used for temporary art exhibits as well as musical recitals, the resonance from the crystals adding to the quality of the musical performance.
top Ethnographic MuseumThe museum housed in the eastern wing of the former palace, gives an insight to Bulgarian folklore and traditions including Easter eggs and breads as well as costumes from various regions. Although started in 1878, many valuable exhibits were lost during the bombing in 1944 and probably the most interesting exhibit is the beautifully carved wooden ceiling.
Unfortunately as in most Bulgarian museums, there are very few, if any, English transcriptions of the exhibits. Most museums do however offer English, German, French or Russian speaking guides.
Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00.
top National Art GalleryThe art gallery, situated in the former Royal Palace and established in 1948, has over 12,000 examples of Bulgarian art from the 19th and 20th century in its funds. Unfortunately the works of masters such as Zahari Zograf, Tzanko Lavrenov and sculptor Andrei Nikolov are no longer on display since the palace roof is badly in need of repair and the paintings are in danger of being damaged. There is no firm date for the reopening of the permanent collection, instead there are temporary exhibitions of Bulgarian and foreign art.
Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday, from 10.30 to 18.00.
top National Gallery of Foreign ArtSince 1985 this former printing house with its 18 or so halls is home to collections from all over the world, including works by the likes of Van Dyke, Rodin, Picasso and Goya. It frequently hosts interesting temporary exhibitions of foreign art.
Opening times: Wednesday - Monday, from 11.00 to 18.00.
top National History Museum22,000 exhibits show the development of social, cultural and political life on Bulgarian soil. From the first prehistoric settlements through to the National Revival period and the Bulgarian State 1878 – 1945; covering the Greeks, Romans, First Bulgarian Kingdom in the Middle Ages and the Byzantines.
Among the most spectacular exhibits are the unique gold treasures from Panagyurishte and the Thracian silver from Rogozen as well as silver and bronze jewelery from the Bronze Age.
In the splendid main hall on the first floor, with its full height glass windows opening onto Vitosha mountain, visitors can see the development of the Bulgarian alphabet and early Bulgarian Christian art.
A recent addition to the costume collection includes the wedding dress worn by Princess Kalina, daughter of Simeon Saxe Coburg Gotha.
Opening times: 9.00 - 17.30.
top National Military History MuseumThis Museum was opened in 2003(?) and is slightly off the beaten track. No doubt of interest to military buffs and children as the courtyard features a large selection of military machines. Recently decommissioned weapons are also on display as well older memorabilia including uniforms, and a lock of Levski’s hair.
Opening times: 10.00 - 18.00 (No day off).
top Natural History MuseumCentrally located next to the Russian church this museum is a good wet weather choice for families with children, as the collection of stuffed, pickled or preserved animals never fails to impress. On the staircase of this old building there is a permanent exhibition of live reptiles and amphibians and on the ground floor there is also an exhibit of rocks and minerals from the moon. In the foyer is a small shop selling semi precious stones and some rather attractive contemporary jewelery.
Opening times: For the scientific part: Monday - Friday: 8.30 - 17.00. For the exposition: Monday - Subday: 10.00 - 18.00.
The information is taken from www.insidesofia.com
You can learn more about Bulgaria HERE.