Guidebook for Sofia
Разглеждане на забележителности
Direct flights from other European cities to Sofia are on the
increase and the boom in budget airlines such as Wizz Air,
easyJet and Ryanair means that not only has Sofia’s popularity
as a shortbreak destination increased noticeably, but
also more and more local residents are taking advantage
of exploring the world.
Via nearby Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) many destinations
around the world are within easy reach. Same goes for
travelling with Qatar Airways via Doha or Lufthansa via
Frankfurt/Munich or Austrian via Vienna.
Sofia International Airport
Situated on the eastern outskirts of the city, Sofia airport
has two separate terminals. Terminal 1 (the ‘old’ terminal)
serves low-cost airlines Wizz Air and easyJet while
all other flights leave and arrive at Terminal 2. Terminal 1
has some charming architectural details and a couple of
shops as well as a smoking room in departures (none in
Terminal 2).
Terminal 2, the newer terminal, is modern, bright and
clean although rather bland. You could be anywhere in
the world! Although there are modern docking tunnels
for some reason (cost?) most airlines still rely on smelly
buses to shuttle guests to and from their flights. In arrivals
there is a small duty free shop which is quite reasonably
priced and will save you schlepping your litre of vodka
around.
In the departure lounge area cafés charge outrageous
prices for drinks, but there isn’t much one can really do
about it.
There is a multi-storey car park at Terminal 2 with over
800 spaces and it is even quite reasonable to leave your
car parked there for several days.
Getting to town:
The journey into town takes not more than 30 minutes
and by taxi should cost no more that 10 – 20 leva for a
city centre location.
Sadly, there are still regular reports of people being ripped
off by the taxis hanging around the airport. PLEASE BE
SURE to book a taxi at the official taxi booth inside
the terminal rather than going off with one of the taxi
drivers offering their services as you come out of Arrivals.
If you can, get someone to meet you at the airport. Most
hotels operate a pick up service on request.
For those on a budget there are several public transport
options.
There is a metro (underground) stop at Terminal 2 that
will take you to the city centre in about 20 minutes. From
there you can change to another line depending on
where you need to get to. Bus No. 84 stops at both terminals and travels down bul. Tsarigradsko Shosse via the
University to ul. Gurko in Sofia city centre and vice versa.
Qbul. Brussels, MSofia Airport, www.sofia-airport.By Car
Depending on your previous driving experience, driving in
Bulgaria may seem a little harrowing at first. There is, however, no need to feel daunted as long as one drives defensively and sticks to the rules. Many local drivers can be
arrogant and aggressive, best try to avoid confrontation.Speed limits for cars are:
50km/h (30 mph) within the city,
90km/h (55mph) outside cities, and
130 km/h (80mph) on motorways, unless indicated otherwise.
Driving Licence
Visitors to Bulgaria may drive using their national licence,
as long as it complies with international standards. It
is advisable, however, to carry an international licence.
Legislation is now in place to make fining and the withdrawal of licences of all EU citizens possible.
Border Crossings
These are the main border-crossing points into and out
of Bulgaria by road.
Kulata – Greece 177km to Sofia E79
Kalotina – Serbia 57km to Sofia E80
Guyeshevo – North Macedonia 106km to Sofia E871
Kapitan Andreevo – Turkey 319 km to Sofia E80
Vidin (203km) Rousse, or Silistra (461 km) – Romania
Don’t expect the border police and customs officers to
speak any foreign language on either side of the border.
Getting through should not be a painful experience
though it may sometimes be slow if you arrive during
coffee or lunch breaks. Allow a minimum of one hour
to clear both checkpoints. Don’t forget you will need a
vignette (road tax) for Bulgaria.
Arriving in Sofia by car requires extreme caution as the
police seem to like making little speed traps at all entrances to Sofia. If you see that all the other cars have
slowed down to a crawl for no apparent reason then
stick behind them, do not overtake!
Once in Sofia, you will find that many drivers appear to
have forgotten some of the basic rules of the road and
you should therefore take nothing for granted.
Although driving in Sofia may seem to be void of any
rules, speed cameras are operational on some of the
main entrances to the city, such as Tsarigradsko Shosse
Boulevard coming from the airport and Plovdiv direction.
There are also cameras at some road junctions to catch
anyone skipping traffic lights on red.
KAT Traffic Police
If you have long term residence status in Bulgaria you
will need to exchange your national licence for a Bulgarian one. For EU countries this is a straightforward
process that can be done here. For other nationals, a
test resit may be required. Other services here include
changing car registrations. Best take a Bulgarian speaker
with you to make enquiries.Qul. Lachezar Stanchev 4,
MG.M.Dimitrov, www.kat.mvr.bg.
Car Parking
The very heart of the city centre is now ‘Blue Zone’, which
means you have to pay 2 leva per hour for parking between 08.00 and 19.00 on working days and 08:00 and
14:00 on Saturdays. A maximum stay of 2 hours is allowed, after which you need to move your car to another
zone or drive around for 20 minutes before coming backto the Blue Zone. The relatively high price means that
parking spaces can usually be found for those who just
need a couple of hours.
The ‘Green Zone’ expands a little away from the very central part of the city (you can tell whether you are in Blue
or Green Zone by the street signs) and costs 1 lev per
hour for a maximum of 4 hours, making it a more attractive option often just across the road.
You can also pay by SMS if you have an account with a
local GSM operator: send your registration number to the
number 1302 for Blue Zone or 1303 for Green Zone. The
good news is that if your vehicle is 100% electric you do
not pay for parking in either of the zones.
Vouchers (talon za parking in Bulgarian) are available
from nearby shops and also machines (around Alexander
Nevsky Cathedral). You may need to ask someone to help
you fill out the talon as instructions are only in Bulgarian.
Тhere are also guarded car parks dotted around the city
centre, charging between 2 and 3 leva per hour or approximately 10 – 15 leva for the day
Check carefully if you are in a paid parking area as
you will be clamped if you fail to pay. Should you get
clamped you will find a note in Bulgarian on your windscreen giving you a telephone number to call. There is
also a reference number for which you will be asked and
the operator may also want to know what street you are
on and the make of car.
In some areas ‘spider’ trucks are very active with deliberate parking traps set up in some cases (like several spaces apparently reserved for taxis on bul. Hristo Botev –
but not actually used by taxis). They will be quick to remove your car to a nearby compound – be sure that by
the time they have done the round a new ‘sucker’ has
moved into the space. To retrieve your car you will have
to go to the compound and pay 65 leva to get your car
back plus an additional fine. If you suspect your car may
have been towed away, call t. 983 6747 for information
or you can use an app.
By Train
International trains go from here to Greece, Serbia,
Romania and beyond. They tend to move very slowly,
though a ‘fast’ train to Thessaloniki in Greece has been
introduced which takes about 5 hours (you can drive it
in less!).
Central Train Station
The modernisation and renovation of the central railway
station has finally been completed, making it a far more
pleasant experience. There are still a few areas that need
completion such as the food court, but for now everything is bright and clean and bustle free. The direct access with the underground is also ideal and it is fairly
straightforward to find your way around with signs in
Bulgarian and English. Train travel, although inexpensive, is also very slow and unglamorous and the only
time that using the train (as opposed to bus) is of preference would be on the overnight sleepers to the Black
Sea Coast. Bulgaria expects to have high speed trains to
Plovdiv and other destinations in the near future.QA-3,
bul. Maria Luiza 102, MCentral railway station, www.
bdz.bg/en. Open 05:00-00:00. L
By Bus
Central Bus Station
Sofia’s international bus station is adjacent to the main
railways station. Most buses arriving from or going to
the countryside or abroad come here. The new, clean
facilities, which include a food court, certainly make
the idea of ‘a bus journey’ more attractive.QA-3, bul.
Maria Luiza 100, MCentral Railway Station, www.tis.
centralnaavtogara.bg. L
Car Rental
Car parking is such a nightmare in Sofia and the city is
so small that renting a car only makes sense if you are
planning to spend time outside of Sofia. There are many
car rental companies, both international and local, with
airport pick up/drop off.
Europcar
Europcar Bulgaria offers a large variety of vehicles
and has a fleet of more than 500 (average age of 12
months) spread across 7 modern locations including
all international airports in Bulgaria. With regular maintenance and scheduled renewals they have a good
reputation for reliability and safety.Qbul. Tsarigradsko
shose 144, tel. (+359) 2 981 4626, www.europcar.bg.
Other Rentals
Lime Electric Scooters
Electric scooter rentals. You will need to download
the app, add a credit card and then you are good to
go. Find an available scooter, scan the QR code and off
you cruise! Unlock charge 1.50lev (0.77€) and after that
0.30leva (0.15€) per minute. Please use and park responsibly and with care.Qwww.li.me/en-us/home. Open
0:00-24:00.
Spark Electric Cars
SPARK is a new generation service that allows you to find
and rent an electric vehicle through your mobile phone,
no matter if you want to use the service for 15 minutes
or a few days. After you use the service, you may leave
the vehicle in a “blue” or “green” area (free of charge for
electric vehicles) or in designated areas outside the city
centre. Download the mobile app and sign up to receive
access to their range of electric vehicles.Qtel. (+359) 2
419 3476, www.spark.bg/en. Open 08:00-22:00; Sat
09:00-18:00; Sun) 9:00-18:00. Support Centre.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Sofia Airport station
Direct flights from other European cities to Sofia are on the
increase and the boom in budget airlines such as Wizz Air,
easyJet and Ryanair means that not only has Sofia’s popularity
as a shortbreak destination increased noticeably, but
also more and more local residents are taking advantage
of exploring the world.
Via nearby Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) many destinations
around the world are within easy reach. Same goes for
travelling with Qatar Airways via Doha or Lufthansa via
Frankfurt/Munich or Austrian via Vienna.
Sofia International Airport
Situated on the eastern outskirts of the city, Sofia airport
has two separate terminals. Terminal 1 (the ‘old’ terminal)
serves low-cost airlines Wizz Air and easyJet while
all other flights leave and arrive at Terminal 2. Terminal 1
has some charming architectural details and a couple of
shops as well as a smoking room in departures (none in
Terminal 2).
Terminal 2, the newer terminal, is modern, bright and
clean although rather bland. You could be anywhere in
the world! Although there are modern docking tunnels
for some reason (cost?) most airlines still rely on smelly
buses to shuttle guests to and from their flights. In arrivals
there is a small duty free shop which is quite reasonably
priced and will save you schlepping your litre of vodka
around.
In the departure lounge area cafés charge outrageous
prices for drinks, but there isn’t much one can really do
about it.
There is a multi-storey car park at Terminal 2 with over
800 spaces and it is even quite reasonable to leave your
car parked there for several days.
Getting to town:
The journey into town takes not more than 30 minutes
and by taxi should cost no more that 10 – 20 leva for a
city centre location.
Sadly, there are still regular reports of people being ripped
off by the taxis hanging around the airport. PLEASE BE
SURE to book a taxi at the official taxi booth inside
the terminal rather than going off with one of the taxi
drivers offering their services as you come out of Arrivals.
If you can, get someone to meet you at the airport. Most
hotels operate a pick up service on request.
For those on a budget there are several public transport
options.
There is a metro (underground) stop at Terminal 2 that
will take you to the city centre in about 20 minutes. From
there you can change to another line depending on
where you need to get to. Bus No. 84 stops at both terminals and travels down bul. Tsarigradsko Shosse via the
University to ul. Gurko in Sofia city centre and vice versa.
Qbul. Brussels, MSofia Airport, www.sofia-airport.By Car
Depending on your previous driving experience, driving in
Bulgaria may seem a little harrowing at first. There is, however, no need to feel daunted as long as one drives defensively and sticks to the rules. Many local drivers can be
arrogant and aggressive, best try to avoid confrontation.Speed limits for cars are:
50km/h (30 mph) within the city,
90km/h (55mph) outside cities, and
130 km/h (80mph) on motorways, unless indicated otherwise.
Driving Licence
Visitors to Bulgaria may drive using their national licence,
as long as it complies with international standards. It
is advisable, however, to carry an international licence.
Legislation is now in place to make fining and the withdrawal of licences of all EU citizens possible.
Border Crossings
These are the main border-crossing points into and out
of Bulgaria by road.
Kulata – Greece 177km to Sofia E79
Kalotina – Serbia 57km to Sofia E80
Guyeshevo – North Macedonia 106km to Sofia E871
Kapitan Andreevo – Turkey 319 km to Sofia E80
Vidin (203km) Rousse, or Silistra (461 km) – Romania
Don’t expect the border police and customs officers to
speak any foreign language on either side of the border.
Getting through should not be a painful experience
though it may sometimes be slow if you arrive during
coffee or lunch breaks. Allow a minimum of one hour
to clear both checkpoints. Don’t forget you will need a
vignette (road tax) for Bulgaria.
Arriving in Sofia by car requires extreme caution as the
police seem to like making little speed traps at all entrances to Sofia. If you see that all the other cars have
slowed down to a crawl for no apparent reason then
stick behind them, do not overtake!
Once in Sofia, you will find that many drivers appear to
have forgotten some of the basic rules of the road and
you should therefore take nothing for granted.
Although driving in Sofia may seem to be void of any
rules, speed cameras are operational on some of the
main entrances to the city, such as Tsarigradsko Shosse
Boulevard coming from the airport and Plovdiv direction.
There are also cameras at some road junctions to catch
anyone skipping traffic lights on red.
KAT Traffic Police
If you have long term residence status in Bulgaria you
will need to exchange your national licence for a Bulgarian one. For EU countries this is a straightforward
process that can be done here. For other nationals, a
test resit may be required. Other services here include
changing car registrations. Best take a Bulgarian speaker
with you to make enquiries.Qul. Lachezar Stanchev 4,
MG.M.Dimitrov, www.kat.mvr.bg.
Car Parking
The very heart of the city centre is now ‘Blue Zone’, which
means you have to pay 2 leva per hour for parking between 08.00 and 19.00 on working days and 08:00 and
14:00 on Saturdays. A maximum stay of 2 hours is allowed, after which you need to move your car to another
zone or drive around for 20 minutes before coming backto the Blue Zone. The relatively high price means that
parking spaces can usually be found for those who just
need a couple of hours.
The ‘Green Zone’ expands a little away from the very central part of the city (you can tell whether you are in Blue
or Green Zone by the street signs) and costs 1 lev per
hour for a maximum of 4 hours, making it a more attractive option often just across the road.
You can also pay by SMS if you have an account with a
local GSM operator: send your registration number to the
number 1302 for Blue Zone or 1303 for Green Zone. The
good news is that if your vehicle is 100% electric you do
not pay for parking in either of the zones.
Vouchers (talon za parking in Bulgarian) are available
from nearby shops and also machines (around Alexander
Nevsky Cathedral). You may need to ask someone to help
you fill out the talon as instructions are only in Bulgarian.
Тhere are also guarded car parks dotted around the city
centre, charging between 2 and 3 leva per hour or approximately 10 – 15 leva for the day
Check carefully if you are in a paid parking area as
you will be clamped if you fail to pay. Should you get
clamped you will find a note in Bulgarian on your windscreen giving you a telephone number to call. There is
also a reference number for which you will be asked and
the operator may also want to know what street you are
on and the make of car.
In some areas ‘spider’ trucks are very active with deliberate parking traps set up in some cases (like several spaces apparently reserved for taxis on bul. Hristo Botev –
but not actually used by taxis). They will be quick to remove your car to a nearby compound – be sure that by
the time they have done the round a new ‘sucker’ has
moved into the space. To retrieve your car you will have
to go to the compound and pay 65 leva to get your car
back plus an additional fine. If you suspect your car may
have been towed away, call t. 983 6747 for information
or you can use an app.
By Train
International trains go from here to Greece, Serbia,
Romania and beyond. They tend to move very slowly,
though a ‘fast’ train to Thessaloniki in Greece has been
introduced which takes about 5 hours (you can drive it
in less!).
Central Train Station
The modernisation and renovation of the central railway
station has finally been completed, making it a far more
pleasant experience. There are still a few areas that need
completion such as the food court, but for now everything is bright and clean and bustle free. The direct access with the underground is also ideal and it is fairly
straightforward to find your way around with signs in
Bulgarian and English. Train travel, although inexpensive, is also very slow and unglamorous and the only
time that using the train (as opposed to bus) is of preference would be on the overnight sleepers to the Black
Sea Coast. Bulgaria expects to have high speed trains to
Plovdiv and other destinations in the near future.QA-3,
bul. Maria Luiza 102, MCentral railway station, www.
bdz.bg/en. Open 05:00-00:00. L
By Bus
Central Bus Station
Sofia’s international bus station is adjacent to the main
railways station. Most buses arriving from or going to
the countryside or abroad come here. The new, clean
facilities, which include a food court, certainly make
the idea of ‘a bus journey’ more attractive.QA-3, bul.
Maria Luiza 100, MCentral Railway Station, www.tis.
centralnaavtogara.bg. L
Car Rental
Car parking is such a nightmare in Sofia and the city is
so small that renting a car only makes sense if you are
planning to spend time outside of Sofia. There are many
car rental companies, both international and local, with
airport pick up/drop off.
Europcar
Europcar Bulgaria offers a large variety of vehicles
and has a fleet of more than 500 (average age of 12
months) spread across 7 modern locations including
all international airports in Bulgaria. With regular maintenance and scheduled renewals they have a good
reputation for reliability and safety.Qbul. Tsarigradsko
shose 144, tel. (+359) 2 981 4626, www.europcar.bg.
Other Rentals
Lime Electric Scooters
Electric scooter rentals. You will need to download
the app, add a credit card and then you are good to
go. Find an available scooter, scan the QR code and off
you cruise! Unlock charge 1.50lev (0.77€) and after that
0.30leva (0.15€) per minute. Please use and park responsibly and with care.Qwww.li.me/en-us/home. Open
0:00-24:00.
Spark Electric Cars
SPARK is a new generation service that allows you to find
and rent an electric vehicle through your mobile phone,
no matter if you want to use the service for 15 minutes
or a few days. After you use the service, you may leave
the vehicle in a “blue” or “green” area (free of charge for
electric vehicles) or in designated areas outside the city
centre. Download the mobile app and sign up to receive
access to their range of electric vehicles.Qtel. (+359) 2
419 3476, www.spark.bg/en. Open 08:00-22:00; Sat
09:00-18:00; Sun) 9:00-18:00. Support Centre.
Public Transport
Trams, Trolley buses, Buses and Underground form a fairly
comprehensive public transport system in Sofia spreading
all the way into the suburbs. The extent to which you decide to use the system depends on where you need to get
to, your personal preferences and your navigation skills. Of
all of them, the Underground is probably the most user
friendly, modern and clean.
Sofia’s other public transport systems are also getting better and new trams, trolley buses and buses are already
running on some of the routes and there are also some
routes across the city on which night buses operate.
Plenty of useful info on the website www.sofiatraffic.
bg and the moovit app is very helpful and pretty accurate in navigating you from A to B.
Buses, Trams and Trolley Buses
Bus, trolley bus and tram tickets can be bought from the
machine just behind the driver’s cabin. The ticket is only
valid for the journey on that particular tram/bus. Many
trams and trolley buses now have ticket machines at the
front, where you can buy a ticket that does not need
punching. Daily, weekly and monthly travel cards can be
bought from kiosks as can packs of 10 tickets, which need
to be punched in the machine inside.
For timetable and route planner as well as changes to usual
routes you can use the website.Qwww.sofiatraffic.bg.
Sofia Pass
Sofia Pass is a 3 day travel pass for the city that not only
gives unlimited travel on all public transport in the city but
also gets you discounts between 5 – 50% in museums,
galleries, shops, restaurants and other places. Price 20 leva
You can get this pass from the ticket office at the following metro stations: National Palace of Culture, Serdika,
University St.Kliment Ohridski and European Union. For
more information check the website.Qtel. 0700 13 233,
www.sofiatraffic.bg.
Underground Metro system
Sofia currently has two underground lines, which intersect in the city centre at the Serdika stop. The third line
which will eventually run from Ovcha Kupel to Vasil Levski
is expected to be partially operational as of March 2020.
Line 1 (red) runs from Slivnitsa (Lyulin) in the West of the
city to the Business Park Sofia, via the city centre while
the other, line 2 (blue) runs from Vitosha in the South
(Paradise Center) to Nadezhda and loops on itself to Sofia Airport Terminal 2. The underground is clean and efficient, though it does get crowded at peak times. Tickets
now cost 1.60 leva for a single journey and can be bought
from the ticket machines at the entrance to the stations.
Multiple trip prepaid cards (which can be recharged) are
a better option if you plan to use the underground more
frequently or in a group, e.g. 10 trips for 12 leva and day
tickets are also available but you can’t use the turnstiles
with them and need to use the manned barriers. Visitors
to the city might also be interested in the 3 day Sofia Pass.
Qwww.metropolitan.bg/en.
Taxis
Taxi fares in Sofia were regulated in May 2011 and a maximum fare imposed. This is currently 1.30 leva daytime and
1.60 leva nighttime. Fares are displayed clearly on the back
window of the cab as well as on the dashboard. All taxis
are yellow and are generally fairly new, well-kept vehicles,
though you may occasionally get the odd unkempt one.
Smoking is prohibited but despite this you will find that
some Sofia taxi drivers smoke while waiting for a customer; if it bothers you then ask them to put out their
cigarette. All taxis in Bulgaria should have the name and
contact number of the company clearly displayed on the
dashboard as well as the ID number of the driver, enabling
you to make a complaint should you wish to.
There are some useful apps you can use such as Taxi Me
and Yellow Taxi 9119.
Unfortunately tourists (and sometimes even locals) continue being ripped off by rogue taxi drivers, most usually
hanging around at the airport, train station, hotels and
even hospitals. They often display logos very similar to the
popular OK Taxi. The best thing is to always call for a cab or
use one of the apps available.
Green Taxi
Taxi service using hybrid cars. Cars are clean and new. You
can download their app from the website which is also
in English.Qtel. (+359) 878 810810, www.greentaxi.bg.
OK Taxi
OK Taxi is the official taxi operator for Sofia Airport, with
offices in Arrivals at both terminals. Book your taxi from
the office as there are still far too many rogue taxi drivers
waiting for unsuspecting foreigners. With 1600 cars they
have the best coverage in Sofia and have been around for
over 25 years but they are also the most copied brand by
unscrupulous drivers who will rip you off, leaving you under the impression that it was OK Taxi that cheated you.
To be on the safe side ALWAYS use the OK desk at the
airport and elsewhere use the phone to order your cab
or ask the hotel reception. If your taxi has OK on it but
the number is not 973 2121 – it is a fake cab whose sole
purpose is to cheat YOU! Sadly, the company does not yet
have an app.Qul. Boyan Magesnik 1, tel. (+359) 2 973
2121, www.oktaxi.net/index_en.php.
Yellow
Reliable company with a modern fleet including electric
cars. Second largest fleet in Sofia with 1300 cars, operating since 1998. ISO 9001 certified.Qtel. (+359) 2 91 119,
www.yellow333.com.Disabled Access
There is very little consideration for people with disabilities in Bulgaria. Sofia is almost totally inaccessible
for wheel-chair users. Since the European Year for the
Disabled, gradual improvements have been made, such
as wheelchair ramps to the entrances of state and municipal buildings, Alexander Nevsky cathedral and a
few more important sights. One visitor commented on
the excellent service at the airport, but from that initial
welcome things deteriorated. A particular problem is
the state of the pavements, which are not only cracked
and full of un-covered manholes, but also often blocked
by cars, forcing the pedestrian to walk on the street.
Underpasses are also a problem – some have lifts but
most have only ramps which are so steep they would be
impossible to use for a wheelchair. Most office buildings
do not have wheelchair access, though new business
centres should do.
Hadzhi Dimitar
Teatralna
Patriarh
Evtimiy
European
Union
James Bourchier
Vitosha
F. Jouliot-Curie
G. M. Dimitrov
Musagenitsa
Mladost 1
Mladost 3
Inter Expo Center
Druzhba
Iskarsko Shosse
Soyska Sveta Gora
Soa Airport
Business Park
Aleksandar
Malinov
Akad. Alexandar Teodorov-Balan
Meditsinska NDK
Akademiya
Bulgaria
Krasno Selo
Trakia
Gorna Banya
Line 1
Line 2
Line 3 (under construction)
Ovcha
Kupel
Ovcha
Kupel 2
Opalchenska
Vardar
Zapaden
Park
Lyulin
Slivnitsa
Obelya Lomsko Shosse
Beli Dunav
Nadezhda
Han Kubrat
Konstantin
Velichkov
Lions Bridge
Serdica
Central Railway Station
Knyaginya Maria Luisa
Eagles Bridge
SU St Kliment Ohridski
Vasil Levski Stadium
Planned
M3
M3
M2
M2
M1
M1
Guided Tours
Free Sofia Tour
Free Sofia Tour, run by an NGO, is one of the best attractions
in Sofia. Enthusiastic young people will walk you through
the highlights of central Sofia with many an interesting
tale to tell. Starting point is the Palace of Justice, corner of
Alabin St. Look out for the tour guides with their signs. Allow at least 2 hours. No reservation or tickets are required,
just show up – there is no fee, though if you are satisfied
with your guide you are invited to leave a gratuity to this
non-profit organisation. For larger groups it is advisable to
contact them to set up your individual tour. They also offer
a variety of special interest tours for which the prices are between 18 – 24 leva per person.Qbul. Vitosha 2, MSerdika,
tel. (+359) 98 892 0461, www.freesofiatour.com. Daily
departures 11:00, 14:00 and 18:00, from April-October
also 10:00 am. Free – but donations keep them going.
75 recommandé par les habitants
Free Sofia Tour
2 bul. "Vitosha"Public Transport
Trams, Trolley buses, Buses and Underground form a fairly
comprehensive public transport system in Sofia spreading
all the way into the suburbs. The extent to which you decide to use the system depends on where you need to get
to, your personal preferences and your navigation skills. Of
all of them, the Underground is probably the most user
friendly, modern and clean.
Sofia’s other public transport systems are also getting better and new trams, trolley buses and buses are already
running on some of the routes and there are also some
routes across the city on which night buses operate.
Plenty of useful info on the website www.sofiatraffic.
bg and the moovit app is very helpful and pretty accurate in navigating you from A to B.
Buses, Trams and Trolley Buses
Bus, trolley bus and tram tickets can be bought from the
machine just behind the driver’s cabin. The ticket is only
valid for the journey on that particular tram/bus. Many
trams and trolley buses now have ticket machines at the
front, where you can buy a ticket that does not need
punching. Daily, weekly and monthly travel cards can be
bought from kiosks as can packs of 10 tickets, which need
to be punched in the machine inside.
For timetable and route planner as well as changes to usual
routes you can use the website.Qwww.sofiatraffic.bg.
Sofia Pass
Sofia Pass is a 3 day travel pass for the city that not only
gives unlimited travel on all public transport in the city but
also gets you discounts between 5 – 50% in museums,
galleries, shops, restaurants and other places. Price 20 leva
You can get this pass from the ticket office at the following metro stations: National Palace of Culture, Serdika,
University St.Kliment Ohridski and European Union. For
more information check the website.Qtel. 0700 13 233,
www.sofiatraffic.bg.
Underground Metro system
Sofia currently has two underground lines, which intersect in the city centre at the Serdika stop. The third line
which will eventually run from Ovcha Kupel to Vasil Levski
is expected to be partially operational as of March 2020.
Line 1 (red) runs from Slivnitsa (Lyulin) in the West of the
city to the Business Park Sofia, via the city centre while
the other, line 2 (blue) runs from Vitosha in the South
(Paradise Center) to Nadezhda and loops on itself to Sofia Airport Terminal 2. The underground is clean and efficient, though it does get crowded at peak times. Tickets
now cost 1.60 leva for a single journey and can be bought
from the ticket machines at the entrance to the stations.
Multiple trip prepaid cards (which can be recharged) are
a better option if you plan to use the underground more
frequently or in a group, e.g. 10 trips for 12 leva and day
tickets are also available but you can’t use the turnstiles
with them and need to use the manned barriers. Visitors
to the city might also be interested in the 3 day Sofia Pass.
Qwww.metropolitan.bg/en.
Taxis
Taxi fares in Sofia were regulated in May 2011 and a maximum fare imposed. This is currently 1.30 leva daytime and
1.60 leva nighttime. Fares are displayed clearly on the back
window of the cab as well as on the dashboard. All taxis
are yellow and are generally fairly new, well-kept vehicles,
though you may occasionally get the odd unkempt one.
Smoking is prohibited but despite this you will find that
some Sofia taxi drivers smoke while waiting for a customer; if it bothers you then ask them to put out their
cigarette. All taxis in Bulgaria should have the name and
contact number of the company clearly displayed on the
dashboard as well as the ID number of the driver, enabling
you to make a complaint should you wish to.
There are some useful apps you can use such as Taxi Me
and Yellow Taxi 9119.
Unfortunately tourists (and sometimes even locals) continue being ripped off by rogue taxi drivers, most usually
hanging around at the airport, train station, hotels and
even hospitals. They often display logos very similar to the
popular OK Taxi. The best thing is to always call for a cab or
use one of the apps available.
Green Taxi
Taxi service using hybrid cars. Cars are clean and new. You
can download their app from the website which is also
in English.Qtel. (+359) 878 810810, www.greentaxi.bg.
OK Taxi
OK Taxi is the official taxi operator for Sofia Airport, with
offices in Arrivals at both terminals. Book your taxi from
the office as there are still far too many rogue taxi drivers
waiting for unsuspecting foreigners. With 1600 cars they
have the best coverage in Sofia and have been around for
over 25 years but they are also the most copied brand by
unscrupulous drivers who will rip you off, leaving you under the impression that it was OK Taxi that cheated you.
To be on the safe side ALWAYS use the OK desk at the
airport and elsewhere use the phone to order your cab
or ask the hotel reception. If your taxi has OK on it but
the number is not 973 2121 – it is a fake cab whose sole
purpose is to cheat YOU! Sadly, the company does not yet
have an app.Qul. Boyan Magesnik 1, tel. (+359) 2 973
2121, www.oktaxi.net/index_en.php.
Yellow
Reliable company with a modern fleet including electric
cars. Second largest fleet in Sofia with 1300 cars, operating since 1998. ISO 9001 certified.Qtel. (+359) 2 91 119,
www.yellow333.com.Disabled Access
There is very little consideration for people with disabilities in Bulgaria. Sofia is almost totally inaccessible
for wheel-chair users. Since the European Year for the
Disabled, gradual improvements have been made, such
as wheelchair ramps to the entrances of state and municipal buildings, Alexander Nevsky cathedral and a
few more important sights. One visitor commented on
the excellent service at the airport, but from that initial
welcome things deteriorated. A particular problem is
the state of the pavements, which are not only cracked
and full of un-covered manholes, but also often blocked
by cars, forcing the pedestrian to walk on the street.
Underpasses are also a problem – some have lifts but
most have only ramps which are so steep they would be
impossible to use for a wheelchair. Most office buildings
do not have wheelchair access, though new business
centres should do.
Hadzhi Dimitar
Teatralna
Patriarh
Evtimiy
European
Union
James Bourchier
Vitosha
F. Jouliot-Curie
G. M. Dimitrov
Musagenitsa
Mladost 1
Mladost 3
Inter Expo Center
Druzhba
Iskarsko Shosse
Soyska Sveta Gora
Soa Airport
Business Park
Aleksandar
Malinov
Akad. Alexandar Teodorov-Balan
Meditsinska NDK
Akademiya
Bulgaria
Krasno Selo
Trakia
Gorna Banya
Line 1
Line 2
Line 3 (under construction)
Ovcha
Kupel
Ovcha
Kupel 2
Opalchenska
Vardar
Zapaden
Park
Lyulin
Slivnitsa
Obelya Lomsko Shosse
Beli Dunav
Nadezhda
Han Kubrat
Konstantin
Velichkov
Lions Bridge
Serdica
Central Railway Station
Knyaginya Maria Luisa
Eagles Bridge
SU St Kliment Ohridski
Vasil Levski Stadium
Planned
M3
M3
M2
M2
M1
M1
Guided Tours
Free Sofia Tour
Free Sofia Tour, run by an NGO, is one of the best attractions
in Sofia. Enthusiastic young people will walk you through
the highlights of central Sofia with many an interesting
tale to tell. Starting point is the Palace of Justice, corner of
Alabin St. Look out for the tour guides with their signs. Allow at least 2 hours. No reservation or tickets are required,
just show up – there is no fee, though if you are satisfied
with your guide you are invited to leave a gratuity to this
non-profit organisation. For larger groups it is advisable to
contact them to set up your individual tour. They also offer
a variety of special interest tours for which the prices are between 18 – 24 leva per person.Qbul. Vitosha 2, MSerdika,
tel. (+359) 98 892 0461, www.freesofiatour.com. Daily
departures 11:00, 14:00 and 18:00, from April-October
also 10:00 am. Free – but donations keep them going.
Sofia Basics Sofia Today
AIR QUALITY
Sofia constantly makes the headlines for its high air pollution partly because of its geographical location. Check with
airsofia.info for regular updates if you are air sensitive.
Drinking Water
Tap water is safe to drink all over the country but not always
pleasant in taste or appearance. Bulgaria’s vast supplies of
mineral water are widely available in 0.5 litre and 1.5 litre
bottles. They are very tasty and not expensive.
Language & Alphabet
Bulgarian is a Slavic language with close similarities to Russian.
By far the biggest obstacle to reading Bulgarian is the Cyrillic alphabet which was developed originally by the missionary brothers Cyril and Methodius. It has 30 letters and
pronunciation is entirely phonetic.
In the city centre many street names and directions have
Latin transliterations but it is still a good idea to familiarise
yourself with the alphabet.
Money
The currency in Bulgaria is lev (leva – plural). One lev is 100
stotinki. Coins are 2 leva, 1 lev, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2,1 stotinki.
Notes: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 leva and still 2 leva (being phased out)
The Euro is fixed at 1.95 leva.
You can get leva from banks and ATM’s these days with
small fluctuations on the fixed rate. We no longer recommend Exchange Bureaus as not all are reputable. NEVER be
tempted to exchange money with anyone on the street –
you will be cheated! There is an ATM in the arrival area of
Terminal 2 which may be better than the exchange desk in
the luggage area.
Phone Calls
The country code for Bulgaria is (+359). If you are using your
mobile phone all local numbers must be prefixed with this
number, dropping the first zero (0) from the local number.
Dialling out the international access code is 00 or +
followed by the country code.Public Toilets
Public toilets can be found in the main underpass area
near Serdika underground station and near the NDK underground station, as well as in other locations around town.
There is usually a charge and the attendant will give you
your ration of toilet paper. Most of these are old and not
very pleasant. Newer toilets, free of charge are found in all
the shopping centres, and of course most restaurants and
cafés will not turn you away if you are desperate. Try to
avoid the chemical toilets at all costs!
Religion
Bulgaria adopted Christianity in 865 AD. Over 75% of the
population subscribe to the main religion, Eastern Orthodox, and about 12% are Muslim. On the whole, Bulgarians
are very tolerant of other religions.
Sofia prides itself on having an Orthodox church, a Catholic
church, a mosque and a synagogue all within 1 square km.
Smoking
Bulgarians on the whole are heavy smokers with little
consideration for the non-smoker. Since 2012 smoking indoors is banned in all public places including restaurants.
However you will find some very loose interpretations of
the law as far as restaurants and other places of work are
concerned. In some locations you can find phone numbers
to report infringements. Fines are high.
WIFI
No shortage of free WIFI in Sofia. Nearly every bar and restaurant offers free WIFI and there is even WIFI available on
public buses as well as inter city coaches. Zaimov Park, off
Madrid Blvd. near the city centre prides itself on its free
WIFI coverageSofia is often touted as one of the cheapest – if not the
cheapest capital in Europe. The overall affordability of Bulgaria has long been part of the country’s appeal for tourism
but in recent years, since joining the European Union, there
has been a solid increase in the number of еxpats settling
in Sofia.
Where else can you get tickets to the opera or first class
classical concerts for as little as 20 – 30 leva (10 – 15 Euro)
or have a good 3 course dinner with wine for around 50
leva per person? Haircuts, massages, facials, manicures
and other cosmetic procedures are all very affordable
treats to be had in the city and even the dentists are less
expensive than elsewhere, but the real gem of living in
Sofia is in the winter, when you can be at your desk during
the day and hit the slopes for some night skiing at the end
of the day. That takes some beating!
Sofia may not be as breathtakingly beautiful as many
other Central and Eastern European capitals but it still has
plenty going for it and there have been many all round
improvements in recent years. The compact and manageable city centre with some rather pretty Neo-Classical and
Secession buildings, is best navigated on foot, although
for the lazy – scooters are now also available for hire here
and cycle lanes for the courageous have also increased
considerably. During the warmer months of the year there
is plenty of outdoor living to be had in the parks and on
the pavements of the city centre. Sofia has a vibrant restaurant and café scene, with several food related festivalsthroughout the year. We couldn’t be happier than to have
witnessed the rebirth of Vitosha Boulevard after it was pedestrianised; it has a great buzz day and night.
Another of Sofia’s great blessings is the wealth of
natural mineral water springs in the city centre and surrounding suburbs. Part of the reason the area was first
settled. Near the Central Baths are taps where you can collect mineral water for drinking. We would love to tell you
about how the wonderful baths have been restored and
how locals and visitors can enjoy bathing in the life-giving
energy of these waters, but sadly ‘the powers that be’
seem to have ‘other’ plans for the premises. In fact it is
hard to believe that currently all mineral baths with the
exception of Pancharevo have been closed.
182 recommandé par les habitants
Parc National Palais de la Culture
Bulevard "Bulgaria"Sofia Basics Sofia Today
AIR QUALITY
Sofia constantly makes the headlines for its high air pollution partly because of its geographical location. Check with
airsofia.info for regular updates if you are air sensitive.
Drinking Water
Tap water is safe to drink all over the country but not always
pleasant in taste or appearance. Bulgaria’s vast supplies of
mineral water are widely available in 0.5 litre and 1.5 litre
bottles. They are very tasty and not expensive.
Language & Alphabet
Bulgarian is a Slavic language with close similarities to Russian.
By far the biggest obstacle to reading Bulgarian is the Cyrillic alphabet which was developed originally by the missionary brothers Cyril and Methodius. It has 30 letters and
pronunciation is entirely phonetic.
In the city centre many street names and directions have
Latin transliterations but it is still a good idea to familiarise
yourself with the alphabet.
Money
The currency in Bulgaria is lev (leva – plural). One lev is 100
stotinki. Coins are 2 leva, 1 lev, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2,1 stotinki.
Notes: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 leva and still 2 leva (being phased out)
The Euro is fixed at 1.95 leva.
You can get leva from banks and ATM’s these days with
small fluctuations on the fixed rate. We no longer recommend Exchange Bureaus as not all are reputable. NEVER be
tempted to exchange money with anyone on the street –
you will be cheated! There is an ATM in the arrival area of
Terminal 2 which may be better than the exchange desk in
the luggage area.
Phone Calls
The country code for Bulgaria is (+359). If you are using your
mobile phone all local numbers must be prefixed with this
number, dropping the first zero (0) from the local number.
Dialling out the international access code is 00 or +
followed by the country code.Public Toilets
Public toilets can be found in the main underpass area
near Serdika underground station and near the NDK underground station, as well as in other locations around town.
There is usually a charge and the attendant will give you
your ration of toilet paper. Most of these are old and not
very pleasant. Newer toilets, free of charge are found in all
the shopping centres, and of course most restaurants and
cafés will not turn you away if you are desperate. Try to
avoid the chemical toilets at all costs!
Religion
Bulgaria adopted Christianity in 865 AD. Over 75% of the
population subscribe to the main religion, Eastern Orthodox, and about 12% are Muslim. On the whole, Bulgarians
are very tolerant of other religions.
Sofia prides itself on having an Orthodox church, a Catholic
church, a mosque and a synagogue all within 1 square km.
Smoking
Bulgarians on the whole are heavy smokers with little
consideration for the non-smoker. Since 2012 smoking indoors is banned in all public places including restaurants.
However you will find some very loose interpretations of
the law as far as restaurants and other places of work are
concerned. In some locations you can find phone numbers
to report infringements. Fines are high.
WIFI
No shortage of free WIFI in Sofia. Nearly every bar and restaurant offers free WIFI and there is even WIFI available on
public buses as well as inter city coaches. Zaimov Park, off
Madrid Blvd. near the city centre prides itself on its free
WIFI coverageSofia is often touted as one of the cheapest – if not the
cheapest capital in Europe. The overall affordability of Bulgaria has long been part of the country’s appeal for tourism
but in recent years, since joining the European Union, there
has been a solid increase in the number of еxpats settling
in Sofia.
Where else can you get tickets to the opera or first class
classical concerts for as little as 20 – 30 leva (10 – 15 Euro)
or have a good 3 course dinner with wine for around 50
leva per person? Haircuts, massages, facials, manicures
and other cosmetic procedures are all very affordable
treats to be had in the city and even the dentists are less
expensive than elsewhere, but the real gem of living in
Sofia is in the winter, when you can be at your desk during
the day and hit the slopes for some night skiing at the end
of the day. That takes some beating!
Sofia may not be as breathtakingly beautiful as many
other Central and Eastern European capitals but it still has
plenty going for it and there have been many all round
improvements in recent years. The compact and manageable city centre with some rather pretty Neo-Classical and
Secession buildings, is best navigated on foot, although
for the lazy – scooters are now also available for hire here
and cycle lanes for the courageous have also increased
considerably. During the warmer months of the year there
is plenty of outdoor living to be had in the parks and on
the pavements of the city centre. Sofia has a vibrant restaurant and café scene, with several food related festivalsthroughout the year. We couldn’t be happier than to have
witnessed the rebirth of Vitosha Boulevard after it was pedestrianised; it has a great buzz day and night.
Another of Sofia’s great blessings is the wealth of
natural mineral water springs in the city centre and surrounding suburbs. Part of the reason the area was first
settled. Near the Central Baths are taps where you can collect mineral water for drinking. We would love to tell you
about how the wonderful baths have been restored and
how locals and visitors can enjoy bathing in the life-giving
energy of these waters, but sadly ‘the powers that be’
seem to have ‘other’ plans for the premises. In fact it is
hard to believe that currently all mineral baths with the
exception of Pancharevo have been closed.
So – Where is the best place to live in Sofia?
That is a big decision and will depend largely on your personal preferences. The main decision will be whether to
live in town or in the suburbs. This may also depend on
where your place of work is and if you are with family and
schoolchildren.
City centre living offers easy access to restaurants, clubs
and bars as well as public transport. On the downside
car parking can be a bit of a headache and the air quality
can get seriously bad – Sofia often ranks among the top
10 most polluted cities in the world – partly because of
its geographical positioning, but it can make it very unpleasant especially in the winter months, whilst in the
suburbs, such as Bistritsa, you may find yourself above
the smog line all winter enjoying glorious sunshine and
still having the benefits of living in gated communities
close to schools (AAS) and work (Sofia Business Park). The
downside there is longer travelling time into the centre
and dependency on a car. Winter road conditions can also
be a little more challenging, although most are cleared efficiently.
Here is a brief overview of the most popular areas with
expats:
CITY CENTRE
Doctor’s Garden Area
By far the most expensive and popular area in the city centre not far from the main university and surrounding the
lovely Doctor’s Garden. There are several Embassies and
Diplomatic residences (US, French, Irish etc) in the area. No
shortage of charming small top quality restaurants, cafés
and bars. Buildings here date back to the early 1900s and
many do not have lifts but the modern plaza building opposite the National TV with apartments, offices and shops
is a more modern option within this area.
Iztok and Izgrev
Traditionally home to the diplomatic community, this area
on the edge of the large Borissova Garden has easy access
to metro stations (Joliot Curie, GM Dimitrov) and is close
to some office buildings like the Litex towers. German Embassy and Deutsche Schule are in this area.
Lozenets and Ivan Vazov
Close to the large South Park and the Park Centre Mall
for shopping and cinema. Otherwise, much of the area is
overbuilt and overcrowded although you will find good
quality modern apartments in this area.
Vitosha Blvd and NDK area
The large open park area around the National Palace of
Culture is the front garden for all who choose to live in
the very heart of the city close to a huge selection of restaurants, bars and shops and the metro system. Of course
all events held at NDK are within walking distance and
some of the city’s main hospitals are close to hand. There
are not too many kindergartens for foreigners in this area
and car parking is a huge headache here – so it’s best not
to have one.
THE SUBURBS
It is easy to see why the most popular residential areas
outside of the city centre are nearly all on the foothills of
Vitosha mountain. A region that once was nothing more
than small villages with ‘villa zones’, where people from
the city had weekend gardens and summer houses, now
boasts everything from large luxury residences and flashy
restaurants, to more humble homes and restaurants that
make the most of outdoor spaces, fresh air and beautiful
nature. Many of the best nurseries are here and there are
plenty of supermarkets and pharmacies close to hand as
well as the spacious Sofia Ring Mall with plenty of additional family entertainment options.
Boyana
The most expensive suburb on the western flank of the
mountain has long been established as that of the elite.
Many local politicians, celebrities and businessmen live
here alongside the majestic Nu Boyana Film Studios and
some of the ostentaion defies belief. Boyana is easily connected to the city centre via the 3 lane Bulgaria Blvd, although even that tends to bottle neck during peak hours
these days. The famous Boyana Church is here and other
attractions include the Boyana Waterfall and the National
History Museum.Dragalevtsi and Simeonovo
Two neighbouring villages that have pretty much fused in
recent years as more and more people built their permanent homes on the mountain. Each has its own artery into
town. From the central square in Dragalevtsi you will find
the road access up to Aleko Hut on Vitosha Mountain (ski
centre) passing the Dragalevtsi Monastery, which is still a
working convent. From the Ring Road lift station there is a
cabin lift up to Aleko Hut.
Bistritsa
One of the oldest villages in the region around Vitosha.
At an altitude of 1000m and over it has by far the best
air (apart from when everyone in the village lights their
stoves around 4pm in the winter months). From Bistritsa it
is approximately 15 km to the city centre, but the Business
Park metro station is just a 10 minute drive away (also IKEA
and the Sofia Ring Mall) and there is a bus connection
from the village square. Accommodation here is mainly
free standing villas with big gardens above and below the
village and there are a couple of newish gated communities with some more still under construction.
Pancharevo
In the valley to the east of Vitosha Mountain, on the road
out of Sofia towards Samokov and Borovets, the lake by the
same name offers boating opportunities in the summer
months and a couple of restaurant choices. You will also find
several mineral pools here ranging from the Family friendly
Korali to the Luxury Infinity Spa. The Anglo American School
is based in Pancharevo and so is the Blue Cross Vet clinic.
Several gated communities have been developed here and
in nearby Kambanite in recent years due to its proximity to
the school and also to the Sofia Business Park.
Other areas worth
mentioning...
Malinova Dolina and Bunkera are close to the American
College and the Sofia Business Park. The Sofia Residential
Park just above the Ring Road is a large gated community and a popular choice locals and expats alike as it also
includes spa facilities. Still a fair amount of construction
going on in the area.
Bankya
This town approximately 30 minutes (17 km) to the west
of Sofia in the Lyulin Mountains, has its own unique microclimate beneficial for people with lung ailments. It too
has a magnificent old baths building in the centre of the
town that is currently closed waiting for a new lease of life
(along with other baths in Ovcha Kupel and Gorna Banya)
but there is an outdoor mineral pool and also several rehab facilities and the Four Paws Clinic.
60 recommandé par les habitants
Jardin des Médecins
So – Where is the best place to live in Sofia?
That is a big decision and will depend largely on your personal preferences. The main decision will be whether to
live in town or in the suburbs. This may also depend on
where your place of work is and if you are with family and
schoolchildren.
City centre living offers easy access to restaurants, clubs
and bars as well as public transport. On the downside
car parking can be a bit of a headache and the air quality
can get seriously bad – Sofia often ranks among the top
10 most polluted cities in the world – partly because of
its geographical positioning, but it can make it very unpleasant especially in the winter months, whilst in the
suburbs, such as Bistritsa, you may find yourself above
the smog line all winter enjoying glorious sunshine and
still having the benefits of living in gated communities
close to schools (AAS) and work (Sofia Business Park). The
downside there is longer travelling time into the centre
and dependency on a car. Winter road conditions can also
be a little more challenging, although most are cleared efficiently.
Here is a brief overview of the most popular areas with
expats:
CITY CENTRE
Doctor’s Garden Area
By far the most expensive and popular area in the city centre not far from the main university and surrounding the
lovely Doctor’s Garden. There are several Embassies and
Diplomatic residences (US, French, Irish etc) in the area. No
shortage of charming small top quality restaurants, cafés
and bars. Buildings here date back to the early 1900s and
many do not have lifts but the modern plaza building opposite the National TV with apartments, offices and shops
is a more modern option within this area.
Iztok and Izgrev
Traditionally home to the diplomatic community, this area
on the edge of the large Borissova Garden has easy access
to metro stations (Joliot Curie, GM Dimitrov) and is close
to some office buildings like the Litex towers. German Embassy and Deutsche Schule are in this area.
Lozenets and Ivan Vazov
Close to the large South Park and the Park Centre Mall
for shopping and cinema. Otherwise, much of the area is
overbuilt and overcrowded although you will find good
quality modern apartments in this area.
Vitosha Blvd and NDK area
The large open park area around the National Palace of
Culture is the front garden for all who choose to live in
the very heart of the city close to a huge selection of restaurants, bars and shops and the metro system. Of course
all events held at NDK are within walking distance and
some of the city’s main hospitals are close to hand. There
are not too many kindergartens for foreigners in this area
and car parking is a huge headache here – so it’s best not
to have one.
THE SUBURBS
It is easy to see why the most popular residential areas
outside of the city centre are nearly all on the foothills of
Vitosha mountain. A region that once was nothing more
than small villages with ‘villa zones’, where people from
the city had weekend gardens and summer houses, now
boasts everything from large luxury residences and flashy
restaurants, to more humble homes and restaurants that
make the most of outdoor spaces, fresh air and beautiful
nature. Many of the best nurseries are here and there are
plenty of supermarkets and pharmacies close to hand as
well as the spacious Sofia Ring Mall with plenty of additional family entertainment options.
Boyana
The most expensive suburb on the western flank of the
mountain has long been established as that of the elite.
Many local politicians, celebrities and businessmen live
here alongside the majestic Nu Boyana Film Studios and
some of the ostentaion defies belief. Boyana is easily connected to the city centre via the 3 lane Bulgaria Blvd, although even that tends to bottle neck during peak hours
these days. The famous Boyana Church is here and other
attractions include the Boyana Waterfall and the National
History Museum.Dragalevtsi and Simeonovo
Two neighbouring villages that have pretty much fused in
recent years as more and more people built their permanent homes on the mountain. Each has its own artery into
town. From the central square in Dragalevtsi you will find
the road access up to Aleko Hut on Vitosha Mountain (ski
centre) passing the Dragalevtsi Monastery, which is still a
working convent. From the Ring Road lift station there is a
cabin lift up to Aleko Hut.
Bistritsa
One of the oldest villages in the region around Vitosha.
At an altitude of 1000m and over it has by far the best
air (apart from when everyone in the village lights their
stoves around 4pm in the winter months). From Bistritsa it
is approximately 15 km to the city centre, but the Business
Park metro station is just a 10 minute drive away (also IKEA
and the Sofia Ring Mall) and there is a bus connection
from the village square. Accommodation here is mainly
free standing villas with big gardens above and below the
village and there are a couple of newish gated communities with some more still under construction.
Pancharevo
In the valley to the east of Vitosha Mountain, on the road
out of Sofia towards Samokov and Borovets, the lake by the
same name offers boating opportunities in the summer
months and a couple of restaurant choices. You will also find
several mineral pools here ranging from the Family friendly
Korali to the Luxury Infinity Spa. The Anglo American School
is based in Pancharevo and so is the Blue Cross Vet clinic.
Several gated communities have been developed here and
in nearby Kambanite in recent years due to its proximity to
the school and also to the Sofia Business Park.
Other areas worth
mentioning...
Malinova Dolina and Bunkera are close to the American
College and the Sofia Business Park. The Sofia Residential
Park just above the Ring Road is a large gated community and a popular choice locals and expats alike as it also
includes spa facilities. Still a fair amount of construction
going on in the area.
Bankya
This town approximately 30 minutes (17 km) to the west
of Sofia in the Lyulin Mountains, has its own unique microclimate beneficial for people with lung ailments. It too
has a magnificent old baths building in the centre of the
town that is currently closed waiting for a new lease of life
(along with other baths in Ovcha Kupel and Gorna Banya)
but there is an outdoor mineral pool and also several rehab facilities and the Four Paws Clinic.
Dragalevtsi and Simeonovo
Two neighbouring villages that have pretty much fused in
recent years as more and more people built their permanent homes on the mountain. Each has its own artery into
town. From the central square in Dragalevtsi you will find
the road access up to Aleko Hut on Vitosha Mountain (ski
centre) passing the Dragalevtsi Monastery, which is still a
working convent. From the Ring Road lift station there is a
cabin lift up to Aleko Hut.
Bistritsa
One of the oldest villages in the region around Vitosha.
At an altitude of 1000m and over it has by far the best
air (apart from when everyone in the village lights their
stoves around 4pm in the winter months). From Bistritsa it
is approximately 15 km to the city centre, but the Business
Park metro station is just a 10 minute drive away (also IKEA
and the Sofia Ring Mall) and there is a bus connection
from the village square. Accommodation here is mainly
free standing villas with big gardens above and below the
village and there are a couple of newish gated communities with some more still under construction.
Pancharevo
In the valley to the east of Vitosha Mountain, on the road
out of Sofia towards Samokov and Borovets, the lake by the
same name offers boating opportunities in the summer
months and a couple of restaurant choices. You will also find
several mineral pools here ranging from the Family friendly
Korali to the Luxury Infinity Spa. The Anglo American School
is based in Pancharevo and so is the Blue Cross Vet clinic.
Several gated communities have been developed here and
in nearby Kambanite in recent years due to its proximity to
the school and also to the Sofia Business Park.
Other areas worth
mentioning...
Malinova Dolina and Bunkera are close to the American
College and the Sofia Business Park. The Sofia Residential
Park just above the Ring Road is a large gated community and a popular choice locals and expats alike as it also
includes spa facilities. Still a fair amount of construction
going on in the area.
Bankya
This town approximately 30 minutes (17 km) to the west
of Sofia in the Lyulin Mountains, has its own unique microclimate beneficial for people with lung ailments. It too
has a magnificent old baths building in the centre of the
town that is currently closed waiting for a new lease of life
(along with other baths in Ovcha Kupel and Gorna Banya)
but there is an outdoor mineral pool and also several rehab facilities and the Four Paws Clinic.
276 recommandé par les habitants
Théâtre national Ivan Vazov
5 ul. "Dyakon Ignatiy"Dragalevtsi and Simeonovo
Two neighbouring villages that have pretty much fused in
recent years as more and more people built their permanent homes on the mountain. Each has its own artery into
town. From the central square in Dragalevtsi you will find
the road access up to Aleko Hut on Vitosha Mountain (ski
centre) passing the Dragalevtsi Monastery, which is still a
working convent. From the Ring Road lift station there is a
cabin lift up to Aleko Hut.
Bistritsa
One of the oldest villages in the region around Vitosha.
At an altitude of 1000m and over it has by far the best
air (apart from when everyone in the village lights their
stoves around 4pm in the winter months). From Bistritsa it
is approximately 15 km to the city centre, but the Business
Park metro station is just a 10 minute drive away (also IKEA
and the Sofia Ring Mall) and there is a bus connection
from the village square. Accommodation here is mainly
free standing villas with big gardens above and below the
village and there are a couple of newish gated communities with some more still under construction.
Pancharevo
In the valley to the east of Vitosha Mountain, on the road
out of Sofia towards Samokov and Borovets, the lake by the
same name offers boating opportunities in the summer
months and a couple of restaurant choices. You will also find
several mineral pools here ranging from the Family friendly
Korali to the Luxury Infinity Spa. The Anglo American School
is based in Pancharevo and so is the Blue Cross Vet clinic.
Several gated communities have been developed here and
in nearby Kambanite in recent years due to its proximity to
the school and also to the Sofia Business Park.
Other areas worth
mentioning...
Malinova Dolina and Bunkera are close to the American
College and the Sofia Business Park. The Sofia Residential
Park just above the Ring Road is a large gated community and a popular choice locals and expats alike as it also
includes spa facilities. Still a fair amount of construction
going on in the area.
Bankya
This town approximately 30 minutes (17 km) to the west
of Sofia in the Lyulin Mountains, has its own unique microclimate beneficial for people with lung ailments. It too
has a magnificent old baths building in the centre of the
town that is currently closed waiting for a new lease of life
(along with other baths in Ovcha Kupel and Gorna Banya)
but there is an outdoor mineral pool and also several rehab facilities and the Four Paws Clinic.
Sofia became the capital of Bulgaria in 1879 but the history
of the city dates back some 7000 years making it one of the
oldest cities in Europe. Situated at the foothills of Vitosha
Mountain and surrounded by the low lying Lyulin and Sredna Gora Mountain ranges the 1000 square kilometer Sofia
Plain has throughout history been a strategic location.
The Beginnings
Neolithic mounds unearthed in surrounding villages and
within several of the city’s residential districts bear witness
to Sofia’s claim to be one of Europe’s oldest cities. The earliest finds in the city centre proper include implements and
engraved ceramic vessels from the Stone and Copper ages.
During the first millennium BC, the Thracian Serdi tribe –
who gave the city its first name, Serdica – settled around
the central hot springs. In 500 BC they were included in
the kingdom of the powerful Odrysae tribe. Eventually, the
internecine squabbling weakened the Thracians, enabling
Philip of Macedonia to conquer Thrace and Serdica in the
4th century BC.
Roman Sofia
The Romans had their turn in the first century and the
Thracian lands were divided into the regional provinces
of Moesia and Thrace. As the designated centre of an administrative district, Serdica was granted municipium, or
autonomous status, by Emperor Trajan (98-117), which
included the right to mint its own coins and levy taxes. In
his honour, the city was renamed Ulpia Serdica. Befitting
its newfound importance, a number of private and public
buildings were erected, including baths, villas and temples.
Important municipal buildings of the time included a praetorium (headquarters of the governor), an amphitheatrelike bouleterion (municipal council) and civil basilica.
Given its strategic location astride major trade and military
routes linking Asia and Europe, the city was fortified from
the 2nd century, when it became the seat of the province
of Inner Dacia. It reached its grandeur under Emperor Constantine the Great (306-337), who often referred to Serdica
as ‘My Rome’. As a centre of early Christianity, a number
of churches were built, including the extant St George
Rotunda and the St Sofia Basilica. The Huns, under Attila,
laid waste to much of the city in the mid-5th century, after
which it was restored and the fortress wall strengthened.
The Bulgars and Byzantium
In 809 Khan Krum incorporated Serdica into the First Bulgarian Kingdom and the name was changed to Sredets, a
Slavonic term meaning ‘middle’, due to its location in the
geographic centre of the Balkan peninsula. Following a
lengthy siege, the fortified city fell in 1018 to the armies
of Byzantine emperor Basil II who renamed it Triaditsa (‘between the mountains’). It remained under Byzantine control until the emergence of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom
some 170 years later. During the 12th-14th centuries, Sofia
(renamed yet again, this time after the St Sofia Basilica)
emerged as a crafts and trade centre with goldsmiths, potters, tanners and weavers executing their trades. A number
of churches and monasteries were built, most notably the
Boyana church.
Ottoman Rule
In 1382 the Turks managed to conquer Sofia following a
prolonged three-month siege. Over the next 500 years
their influence would significantly alter the city’s appearance. Minarets dominated the skyline as existing churches
were converted into mosques and new ones were constructed. Sofia’s long, straight streets were turned into
small, crooked sokaks. Yet the city prospered and developed into an important crafts and trade centre as the needs
of the enormous Ottoman Empire provided ready markets
for quality Bulgarian goods.
National Revival and
Rebellion
The collapse of the Ottoman Empire, which began towards
the end of the 18th century, had negative economic repercussions for Sofia. The city, which enjoyed prominent status as an administrative centre, was demoted to a ‘sandjak’
(country seat) and a significant part of the Turkish population moved away. Skilled Bulgarian craftsmen were threatened by the influx of cheap western-made goods.
Though suffering from the economic effects of the Ottoman collapse, Bulgarians also experienced newfound
freedoms. They developed their own trades and were
able to export textiles and suchlike. Tradesmen bonded
within their own branch and established charshiyi, tradesmen’s unions. As they became wealthier they were able
to finance the founding of schools and chitalishta (cultural centres), which taught the Bulgarian language and
developed the Bulgarian culture. The Bulgarian Orthodox
Church’s position strengthened as it became fashionable
for those who could afford it to travel to holy places such as
Mt. Athos and to add the word hadji to their name. Religion
gradually became the defining feature of an independent
Bulgarian self-awareness. The Bulgarian population already
had its own town council in the 1800s, whose purpose
was to organise them to pay their taxes to the Ottomans.
This town council was important in the later formation of
a bourgeoisie able to help in the running of the city afterthe Ottomans left. Political activism was exemplified by the
likes of Vassil Levski, who organised a revolutionary committee at Dragalevtsi Monastery. Caught and executed in
Sofia by Turkish police in 1873, Levski’s example set the
stage for the widespread April Uprising three years later.
The outbreak of the Russo-Turkish war saw Sofia established as
a Turkish war camp. With the forces of Russian general Gurko
advancing toward Sofia, the Turks tried to torch the city but
were stopped by the intervention of foreign diplomats.
Sofia the Capital
On January 4 1878 Sofia was liberated. When it was proclaimed the new capital the following year the population
was a mere 12,000. Yet as the country’s political, commercial and cultural centre it would increase five-fold over the
next thirty years. The city was at first run by the Russian
Prince Dondukov-Korsakov until the arrival of the new
Prince Alexander Battenberg in 1881.
The turn of the century saw the city modernised: streets
were straightened and widened, parks and squares laid
out, electricity and new water systems installed. Administrative and public buildings were constructed and industrial enterprise begun. After a brief fling with relative prosperity and constitutional monarchy, the city and country
were racked by political and social turmoil. Strikes, political
coups and assassinations were rampant in Sofia, especially
in the intervening years between the two world wars.
Communist Times
On September 9 1944, the communist-led Fatherland Front
ousted the wartime government and seized power. Under
the ensuing period of communist dictatorship, the city
was rebuilt and the surrounding environs heavily industrialised. Grandiose Stalinist-style architecture, exemplified
by the stark government and party buildings in the Largo,
overshadowed the city’s classic Renaissance and Baroque
structures. Monolithic residential housing estates were
erected in the suburbs and touted as the era’s major accomplishments.
74 recommandé par les habitants
L'église Rotonde de Saint-Georges
2 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar DondukovSofia became the capital of Bulgaria in 1879 but the history
of the city dates back some 7000 years making it one of the
oldest cities in Europe. Situated at the foothills of Vitosha
Mountain and surrounded by the low lying Lyulin and Sredna Gora Mountain ranges the 1000 square kilometer Sofia
Plain has throughout history been a strategic location.
The Beginnings
Neolithic mounds unearthed in surrounding villages and
within several of the city’s residential districts bear witness
to Sofia’s claim to be one of Europe’s oldest cities. The earliest finds in the city centre proper include implements and
engraved ceramic vessels from the Stone and Copper ages.
During the first millennium BC, the Thracian Serdi tribe –
who gave the city its first name, Serdica – settled around
the central hot springs. In 500 BC they were included in
the kingdom of the powerful Odrysae tribe. Eventually, the
internecine squabbling weakened the Thracians, enabling
Philip of Macedonia to conquer Thrace and Serdica in the
4th century BC.
Roman Sofia
The Romans had their turn in the first century and the
Thracian lands were divided into the regional provinces
of Moesia and Thrace. As the designated centre of an administrative district, Serdica was granted municipium, or
autonomous status, by Emperor Trajan (98-117), which
included the right to mint its own coins and levy taxes. In
his honour, the city was renamed Ulpia Serdica. Befitting
its newfound importance, a number of private and public
buildings were erected, including baths, villas and temples.
Important municipal buildings of the time included a praetorium (headquarters of the governor), an amphitheatrelike bouleterion (municipal council) and civil basilica.
Given its strategic location astride major trade and military
routes linking Asia and Europe, the city was fortified from
the 2nd century, when it became the seat of the province
of Inner Dacia. It reached its grandeur under Emperor Constantine the Great (306-337), who often referred to Serdica
as ‘My Rome’. As a centre of early Christianity, a number
of churches were built, including the extant St George
Rotunda and the St Sofia Basilica. The Huns, under Attila,
laid waste to much of the city in the mid-5th century, after
which it was restored and the fortress wall strengthened.
The Bulgars and Byzantium
In 809 Khan Krum incorporated Serdica into the First Bulgarian Kingdom and the name was changed to Sredets, a
Slavonic term meaning ‘middle’, due to its location in the
geographic centre of the Balkan peninsula. Following a
lengthy siege, the fortified city fell in 1018 to the armies
of Byzantine emperor Basil II who renamed it Triaditsa (‘between the mountains’). It remained under Byzantine control until the emergence of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom
some 170 years later. During the 12th-14th centuries, Sofia
(renamed yet again, this time after the St Sofia Basilica)
emerged as a crafts and trade centre with goldsmiths, potters, tanners and weavers executing their trades. A number
of churches and monasteries were built, most notably the
Boyana church.
Ottoman Rule
In 1382 the Turks managed to conquer Sofia following a
prolonged three-month siege. Over the next 500 years
their influence would significantly alter the city’s appearance. Minarets dominated the skyline as existing churches
were converted into mosques and new ones were constructed. Sofia’s long, straight streets were turned into
small, crooked sokaks. Yet the city prospered and developed into an important crafts and trade centre as the needs
of the enormous Ottoman Empire provided ready markets
for quality Bulgarian goods.
National Revival and
Rebellion
The collapse of the Ottoman Empire, which began towards
the end of the 18th century, had negative economic repercussions for Sofia. The city, which enjoyed prominent status as an administrative centre, was demoted to a ‘sandjak’
(country seat) and a significant part of the Turkish population moved away. Skilled Bulgarian craftsmen were threatened by the influx of cheap western-made goods.
Though suffering from the economic effects of the Ottoman collapse, Bulgarians also experienced newfound
freedoms. They developed their own trades and were
able to export textiles and suchlike. Tradesmen bonded
within their own branch and established charshiyi, tradesmen’s unions. As they became wealthier they were able
to finance the founding of schools and chitalishta (cultural centres), which taught the Bulgarian language and
developed the Bulgarian culture. The Bulgarian Orthodox
Church’s position strengthened as it became fashionable
for those who could afford it to travel to holy places such as
Mt. Athos and to add the word hadji to their name. Religion
gradually became the defining feature of an independent
Bulgarian self-awareness. The Bulgarian population already
had its own town council in the 1800s, whose purpose
was to organise them to pay their taxes to the Ottomans.
This town council was important in the later formation of
a bourgeoisie able to help in the running of the city afterthe Ottomans left. Political activism was exemplified by the
likes of Vassil Levski, who organised a revolutionary committee at Dragalevtsi Monastery. Caught and executed in
Sofia by Turkish police in 1873, Levski’s example set the
stage for the widespread April Uprising three years later.
The outbreak of the Russo-Turkish war saw Sofia established as
a Turkish war camp. With the forces of Russian general Gurko
advancing toward Sofia, the Turks tried to torch the city but
were stopped by the intervention of foreign diplomats.
Sofia the Capital
On January 4 1878 Sofia was liberated. When it was proclaimed the new capital the following year the population
was a mere 12,000. Yet as the country’s political, commercial and cultural centre it would increase five-fold over the
next thirty years. The city was at first run by the Russian
Prince Dondukov-Korsakov until the arrival of the new
Prince Alexander Battenberg in 1881.
The turn of the century saw the city modernised: streets
were straightened and widened, parks and squares laid
out, electricity and new water systems installed. Administrative and public buildings were constructed and industrial enterprise begun. After a brief fling with relative prosperity and constitutional monarchy, the city and country
were racked by political and social turmoil. Strikes, political
coups and assassinations were rampant in Sofia, especially
in the intervening years between the two world wars.
Communist Times
On September 9 1944, the communist-led Fatherland Front
ousted the wartime government and seized power. Under
the ensuing period of communist dictatorship, the city
was rebuilt and the surrounding environs heavily industrialised. Grandiose Stalinist-style architecture, exemplified
by the stark government and party buildings in the Largo,
overshadowed the city’s classic Renaissance and Baroque
structures. Monolithic residential housing estates were
erected in the suburbs and touted as the era’s major accomplishments.
1 Say hello to our rather sexy
Sophia
Towering above the intersection of Maria Louisa Blvd and
Todor Alexandrov Blvd in the commercial heart of the city,
Sophia was erected in 2001 – not without some controversy – replacing Lenin’s monument, which was removed
from the same spot at the time of the democratic changes.
Sophia was considered too erotic and pagan to be referred
to as St. Sophia. Eight metres in height, the copper and
bronze statue by the sculptor Georgi Chapkanov, stands
on a 16 metre high pedestal. Adorned with the symbols
of power (crown), fame (wreath) and wisdom (owl), the
crown is also a reference to the Goddess of Fate – Tjuhe,
inspired by the old emblem of Sofia dating back to 1900.
QC-3, Intersection of bul. Todor Alexandrov and bul.
Maria Luisa, MSerdika.
2 Visit the Golden Domes of Alexander
Nevsky Cathedral
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. Find time to visit the crypt under the
cathedral with its fascinating collection of icons.QC-4, pl.
Alexander Nevsky, MSofiyski Universitet. J
3 Pay your respects at the monument
of the Unkown SoLdier
On the southern side of Sveta Sofia church watched over
by a majestic bronze lion, there is a granite tomb, containing the bones of soldiers who died for their fatherland. The
tombstone behind the eternal flame is said to have been
brought from the Shipka Peak and bears an inscription
from Ivan Vazov’s famous poem: “It was for you Bulgaria
they perished, For you alone this sacrifice they made, To
you their motherland they were a credit”.QC-4, Alexander Nevsky Square.
4 Catch a wedding or baptism at
St. Nedelya Church
Built 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. A popular choice by locals for weddings.QC-3, pl.
Sveta Nedelya, MSerdika.
5 Explore the old necropolis below
St. Sophia Church
The 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, built at the
highest point in Sofia, that gave its name to the presentday capital back in the 14th century. The simple red brick
church dates back to the 6th/7th century when it was the
site of Serdica’s necropolis. Beneath it lie several earlier
churches dating back to the early 4th century. You can
now visit some of the remains of the ancient buildings and
tombs that lie under the church as part of a brand new fascinating museum opened to the public in May 2013. 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 the Liberation. Thisis a very popular church for weddings and christenings.
QC-4, ul. Parizh 2, MSofiyski Universitet. Open 09:00 –
17:00, Necropolis Museum. Admission to Necropolis
Museum: 6 leva for adults, 2 leva for concessions. J
6 Watch or join the local skateboarders
by the Soviet Army Monument
From time to time talk turns to the fate of this tall monument, crowned with an 8-metre high sculpture and
bronze figurative compositions around the base dedicated to the Soviet troops who entered Bulgaria at the end
of WWII. Usually someone calling themselves a defender
of democracy calls for it to be pulled down or proposes
a referendum on its fate and then it is all forgotten as the
Russian Embassy responds that Bulgaria is not at liberty
to do so. For a while it was covered in graffiti but it seems
that it has found its niche in the city landscape and will
stay overlooking the skateboard and cycling area in the
park.QD-5, bul. Tsarigradsko Shosse, in the Borissova
Gradina Park.7 Admire Bulgaria’s ancient Gold Treasures at the Archaeological Museum
The 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.QC-3, ul. Saborna 2,
MSerdika/Sofiyski Universitet, www.naim.bg. Open
10:00 – 18:00. Closed Mon. 2 – 10 leva. 8 Intrigued by the history of Icon Painting?
Visit Alexander Nevsky Crypt Museum
The cool and silent crypt below the cathedral provides an
imposing home for the Old Bulgarian Art Collection of the
National Gallery, depicting Orthodox Church Art from its
origins in the 4th century through to the 19th century National Revival period. The focus is predominantly on icon
painting with some 300 permanent exhibits, including an
altar cross and a pair of altar doors from the Rila monastery.
QC-4, pl. Alexander Nevsky, MSofiyski Universitet.
Open 10:00 – 17:30. Closed Mon. 3 – 6 leva. J
9 Art under Socialism tells its own
story at the Museum of Socialist Art
New museum showcasing art from the Socialist period
(1944-1989). A large outdoor sculpture park has everything from the giant statue of Lenin that once stood in the
centre of the city to the red star that topped the Socialist
party headquarters. Smaller pieces reveal a gentler side to
the Socialist ideals. The gallery inside has some excellent
examples of 20th century modern art as well as the Socialist Realism genre we know from the period. A souvenir
shop has good quality T-shirts, mugs and a few books. At
present a catalogue is not available. Somewhat off the
beaten track, visitors will have to get the metro to Joliot
Curie or G.M.Dimitrov stations and walk 300 or 400 metres down the hill.QG-6, ul. Lachezar Stanev 7, MJoliot
Curie/G.M.Dimitrov. Open 10:00 – 17:30. Closed Mon.
Admission 6 leva; children, students, pensioners 3 leva;
disabled, press and art students free of charge.
10 Travel to the suburbs and visit the
former residence of the Communist
leader Todor Zhivkov, now home to the
National History Museum
22,000 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 andthe Thracian silver from Rogozen as well as silver and
bronze jewellery 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. Located
in the outskirts of Sofia in the upmarket Boyana district,
the museum cannot be reached on foot. Take the number
63 or 111 buses, the number 2 trolley bus or a taxi.Qul.
Vitoshko Lale 16, Okolovrustno Shosse, Boyana District, tel. (+359) 2 955 42 80/(+359) 2 955 76 04, www.
historymuseum.org. Open 9:30 – 18:00. The Box Office
closes at 17:15. Adult – 10 leva; School and University student – 1 lev; Adult accompanied by children –
3 leva and for a child of 7 and over – 1 lev. Free admission last Monday of the month.
99 recommandé par les habitants
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
15 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"1 Say hello to our rather sexy
Sophia
Towering above the intersection of Maria Louisa Blvd and
Todor Alexandrov Blvd in the commercial heart of the city,
Sophia was erected in 2001 – not without some controversy – replacing Lenin’s monument, which was removed
from the same spot at the time of the democratic changes.
Sophia was considered too erotic and pagan to be referred
to as St. Sophia. Eight metres in height, the copper and
bronze statue by the sculptor Georgi Chapkanov, stands
on a 16 metre high pedestal. Adorned with the symbols
of power (crown), fame (wreath) and wisdom (owl), the
crown is also a reference to the Goddess of Fate – Tjuhe,
inspired by the old emblem of Sofia dating back to 1900.
QC-3, Intersection of bul. Todor Alexandrov and bul.
Maria Luisa, MSerdika.
2 Visit the Golden Domes of Alexander
Nevsky Cathedral
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. Find time to visit the crypt under the
cathedral with its fascinating collection of icons.QC-4, pl.
Alexander Nevsky, MSofiyski Universitet. J
3 Pay your respects at the monument
of the Unkown SoLdier
On the southern side of Sveta Sofia church watched over
by a majestic bronze lion, there is a granite tomb, containing the bones of soldiers who died for their fatherland. The
tombstone behind the eternal flame is said to have been
brought from the Shipka Peak and bears an inscription
from Ivan Vazov’s famous poem: “It was for you Bulgaria
they perished, For you alone this sacrifice they made, To
you their motherland they were a credit”.QC-4, Alexander Nevsky Square.
4 Catch a wedding or baptism at
St. Nedelya Church
Built 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. A popular choice by locals for weddings.QC-3, pl.
Sveta Nedelya, MSerdika.
5 Explore the old necropolis below
St. Sophia Church
The 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, built at the
highest point in Sofia, that gave its name to the presentday capital back in the 14th century. The simple red brick
church dates back to the 6th/7th century when it was the
site of Serdica’s necropolis. Beneath it lie several earlier
churches dating back to the early 4th century. You can
now visit some of the remains of the ancient buildings and
tombs that lie under the church as part of a brand new fascinating museum opened to the public in May 2013. 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 the Liberation. Thisis a very popular church for weddings and christenings.
QC-4, ul. Parizh 2, MSofiyski Universitet. Open 09:00 –
17:00, Necropolis Museum. Admission to Necropolis
Museum: 6 leva for adults, 2 leva for concessions. J
6 Watch or join the local skateboarders
by the Soviet Army Monument
From time to time talk turns to the fate of this tall monument, crowned with an 8-metre high sculpture and
bronze figurative compositions around the base dedicated to the Soviet troops who entered Bulgaria at the end
of WWII. Usually someone calling themselves a defender
of democracy calls for it to be pulled down or proposes
a referendum on its fate and then it is all forgotten as the
Russian Embassy responds that Bulgaria is not at liberty
to do so. For a while it was covered in graffiti but it seems
that it has found its niche in the city landscape and will
stay overlooking the skateboard and cycling area in the
park.QD-5, bul. Tsarigradsko Shosse, in the Borissova
Gradina Park.7 Admire Bulgaria’s ancient Gold Treasures at the Archaeological Museum
The 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.QC-3, ul. Saborna 2,
MSerdika/Sofiyski Universitet, www.naim.bg. Open
10:00 – 18:00. Closed Mon. 2 – 10 leva. 8 Intrigued by the history of Icon Painting?
Visit Alexander Nevsky Crypt Museum
The cool and silent crypt below the cathedral provides an
imposing home for the Old Bulgarian Art Collection of the
National Gallery, depicting Orthodox Church Art from its
origins in the 4th century through to the 19th century National Revival period. The focus is predominantly on icon
painting with some 300 permanent exhibits, including an
altar cross and a pair of altar doors from the Rila monastery.
QC-4, pl. Alexander Nevsky, MSofiyski Universitet.
Open 10:00 – 17:30. Closed Mon. 3 – 6 leva. J
9 Art under Socialism tells its own
story at the Museum of Socialist Art
New museum showcasing art from the Socialist period
(1944-1989). A large outdoor sculpture park has everything from the giant statue of Lenin that once stood in the
centre of the city to the red star that topped the Socialist
party headquarters. Smaller pieces reveal a gentler side to
the Socialist ideals. The gallery inside has some excellent
examples of 20th century modern art as well as the Socialist Realism genre we know from the period. A souvenir
shop has good quality T-shirts, mugs and a few books. At
present a catalogue is not available. Somewhat off the
beaten track, visitors will have to get the metro to Joliot
Curie or G.M.Dimitrov stations and walk 300 or 400 metres down the hill.QG-6, ul. Lachezar Stanev 7, MJoliot
Curie/G.M.Dimitrov. Open 10:00 – 17:30. Closed Mon.
Admission 6 leva; children, students, pensioners 3 leva;
disabled, press and art students free of charge.
10 Travel to the suburbs and visit the
former residence of the Communist
leader Todor Zhivkov, now home to the
National History Museum
22,000 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 andthe Thracian silver from Rogozen as well as silver and
bronze jewellery 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. Located
in the outskirts of Sofia in the upmarket Boyana district,
the museum cannot be reached on foot. Take the number
63 or 111 buses, the number 2 trolley bus or a taxi.Qul.
Vitoshko Lale 16, Okolovrustno Shosse, Boyana District, tel. (+359) 2 955 42 80/(+359) 2 955 76 04, www.
historymuseum.org. Open 9:30 – 18:00. The Box Office
closes at 17:15. Adult – 10 leva; School and University student – 1 lev; Adult accompanied by children –
3 leva and for a child of 7 and over – 1 lev. Free admission last Monday of the month.
11 Watch a chess challenge outside
the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Built in 1907 by the Austrian architects Helmer & Felner,
the National Theatre is one of the most ornate buildings in Sofia. The 40 metre high façade, 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 theatre’s 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.
Although you are unlikely to want to see a play unless your
Bulgarian is excellent, you can still sit out front at one of
the many cafés and soak up the atmosphere.QC-3, ul.
Dyakon Ignatii 5, MSofiyski Universitet.
12 Feeling Hungry? Check out the
food stalls at Halite
Well worth a visit to see how a once delapidated building can once again become a thriving centre of trade. The
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 and cafés.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
that is 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. Architect Nahum Tarbov.QB-3,
bul. Maria Luisa 25, MSerdika. Open 07:00 – 22:00. J
13 Walk along old Roman streets in
the ArchAeological Complex Serdika
During the construction of the second phase of the
underground, remains of the ancient Roman city Serdika were uncovered. Laboriously uncovered, partially
restored (not always without criticism) the complex
consists of eight streets, an early Christian basilica, six
large buildings, mineral springs, a medieval church all
located at underground level and covering approximately 9000 square metres. Dating back to a period
from 1st until 6th century AD, the visitor to this newly
opened complex can admire early examples of a water and sewage system, as well as ornately tiled floors.
QC-3, pl. Nezavimost, MSerdika. J
14 Catch the changing of the guard
at the Presidency
The Presidency was built in the mid 1950s as part of the
‘Largo’ complex according to designs by architect Tsolov.
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. The guards change every hour on the hour but if
you want the full pomp and ceremony be here on the first
Wednesday of the month at 12:00 when you can see the official changing of the guards complete with music, shouting and weapon brandishing.QC-3, bul. Dondukov 2,
MSerdika, www.president.bg.
276 recommandé par les habitants
Théâtre national Ivan Vazov
5 ul. "Dyakon Ignatiy"11 Watch a chess challenge outside
the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Built in 1907 by the Austrian architects Helmer & Felner,
the National Theatre is one of the most ornate buildings in Sofia. The 40 metre high façade, 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 theatre’s 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.
Although you are unlikely to want to see a play unless your
Bulgarian is excellent, you can still sit out front at one of
the many cafés and soak up the atmosphere.QC-3, ul.
Dyakon Ignatii 5, MSofiyski Universitet.
12 Feeling Hungry? Check out the
food stalls at Halite
Well worth a visit to see how a once delapidated building can once again become a thriving centre of trade. The
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 and cafés.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
that is 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. Architect Nahum Tarbov.QB-3,
bul. Maria Luisa 25, MSerdika. Open 07:00 – 22:00. J
13 Walk along old Roman streets in
the ArchAeological Complex Serdika
During the construction of the second phase of the
underground, remains of the ancient Roman city Serdika were uncovered. Laboriously uncovered, partially
restored (not always without criticism) the complex
consists of eight streets, an early Christian basilica, six
large buildings, mineral springs, a medieval church all
located at underground level and covering approximately 9000 square metres. Dating back to a period
from 1st until 6th century AD, the visitor to this newly
opened complex can admire early examples of a water and sewage system, as well as ornately tiled floors.
QC-3, pl. Nezavimost, MSerdika. J
14 Catch the changing of the guard
at the Presidency
The Presidency was built in the mid 1950s as part of the
‘Largo’ complex according to designs by architect Tsolov.
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. The guards change every hour on the hour but if
you want the full pomp and ceremony be here on the first
Wednesday of the month at 12:00 when you can see the official changing of the guards complete with music, shouting and weapon brandishing.QC-3, bul. Dondukov 2,
MSerdika, www.president.bg.
15 Pop into Sofia’s oldest building,
The St. George Rotunda
This charming round red brick church dates back to the
4th century, although it did not become a church until 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 exhibitions. Services are held daily at 8:00;
17:00 and 21:00. The excellent website has a section called
‘chants’ where you can listen to recordings of Old Church
Slavonic chants.QC-3, bul. Dondukov 2, MSerdika, tel.
(+359) 2 980 9216, www.svgeorgi-rotonda.com.
74 recommandé par les habitants
L'église Rotonde de Saint-Georges
2 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov15 Pop into Sofia’s oldest building,
The St. George Rotunda
This charming round red brick church dates back to the
4th century, although it did not become a church until 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 exhibitions. Services are held daily at 8:00;
17:00 and 21:00. The excellent website has a section called
‘chants’ where you can listen to recordings of Old Church
Slavonic chants.QC-3, bul. Dondukov 2, MSerdika, tel.
(+359) 2 980 9216, www.svgeorgi-rotonda.com.
16 Leave a wish
at the Russian Church
This small decorative church with its golden onion domes
was built between 1912 and 1914, (by many of the sameworkers 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 canonised, he is revered by many Bulgarians
as a saint. Services are carried out according to the Julian
calendar, so Christmas is celebrated on January 7th.QC-4,
ul. Tsar Osvoboditel 3, MSerdika/Sofiyski Universitet,
tel. (+359) 2 986 2715.J
17 Visit an authentic Bulgarian family
during Socialism at The Red Flat
What an exciting and very welcome addition to the list of
places to visit in Sofia. Nostalgia, history, socialist memorabilia all contribute to the wonderfully informative and
educational nature of the experience without passing
judgement, just telling it how it was! Through a narrative
of about 46 clips the visitor to the apartment of Family
Petrovi will get a clearer understanding of life under Communism in Bulgaria in the 80s. There are also several interactive experiences include old TV footage and records.
You can try on clothes and take selfies. In all, we recommend you allow 1-2 hours for a visit here.QC-3, ul. Tsar Assen 12, MSerdika, www.redflatsofia.com. Open 10:30-
18:00. Last Admission 18:00. 18 leva – Please go via
Gifted on ul. Denkoglu for tickets and admission. J
18 HeAr the call to prayer at Sofia’s
only mosque – The Banya Bashi
Ideally located in the centre of Sofia close to the old (and
still partially dilapidated) mineral baths, this brick building
was built in 1576 and named after 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 (a decision has recently been taken to reduce
the volume as it disturbs those who live in the vicinity!). Around 700 worshippers can fit into the mosque. The
whole surrounding area is particulary lively on Fridays
when the service inside the mosque is broadcast on the
loudspeaker for those who cannot fit inside. Prayer times:
13:30; 15:30; 20:45. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer
times.QC-3, bul. Maria Luiza, MSerdika.J
19 Admire the beautiful architectural
detailing at Sofia History Museum
This museum dedicated to the ‘History of Sofia’ is housed
in the magnificent former baths building behind the
mosque. It finally opened to the public on 17th September 2015, after years of restoration and planning. Eight
halls with over 1000 exhibits from 6000 BC to present day;
among the many items on display, there is a reconstructed
neolithic house, an old news stand, printed materials, costumes and a golden carriage clock presented to Prince
Ferdinand by Queen Victoria. In addition to the permanent exhibits there will also be temporary exhibitions and
there is a special room for children to get their hands on
Sofia’s history.QC-3, pl. Banski 1, Old Baths, MSerdika,
tel. +(359) 2 9854455, www.sofiahistorymuseum.bg/
en. Open 10:00 – 18:00. Closed Mon. Adults: 6 leva.
Children: 2 leva. Family Ticket: 10 leva. Free admission
every second Thursday of the month. J
104 recommandé par les habitants
Église russe "Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski"
3 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"16 Leave a wish
at the Russian Church
This small decorative church with its golden onion domes
was built between 1912 and 1914, (by many of the sameworkers 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 canonised, he is revered by many Bulgarians
as a saint. Services are carried out according to the Julian
calendar, so Christmas is celebrated on January 7th.QC-4,
ul. Tsar Osvoboditel 3, MSerdika/Sofiyski Universitet,
tel. (+359) 2 986 2715.J
17 Visit an authentic Bulgarian family
during Socialism at The Red Flat
What an exciting and very welcome addition to the list of
places to visit in Sofia. Nostalgia, history, socialist memorabilia all contribute to the wonderfully informative and
educational nature of the experience without passing
judgement, just telling it how it was! Through a narrative
of about 46 clips the visitor to the apartment of Family
Petrovi will get a clearer understanding of life under Communism in Bulgaria in the 80s. There are also several interactive experiences include old TV footage and records.
You can try on clothes and take selfies. In all, we recommend you allow 1-2 hours for a visit here.QC-3, ul. Tsar Assen 12, MSerdika, www.redflatsofia.com. Open 10:30-
18:00. Last Admission 18:00. 18 leva – Please go via
Gifted on ul. Denkoglu for tickets and admission. J
18 HeAr the call to prayer at Sofia’s
only mosque – The Banya Bashi
Ideally located in the centre of Sofia close to the old (and
still partially dilapidated) mineral baths, this brick building
was built in 1576 and named after 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 (a decision has recently been taken to reduce
the volume as it disturbs those who live in the vicinity!). Around 700 worshippers can fit into the mosque. The
whole surrounding area is particulary lively on Fridays
when the service inside the mosque is broadcast on the
loudspeaker for those who cannot fit inside. Prayer times:
13:30; 15:30; 20:45. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer
times.QC-3, bul. Maria Luiza, MSerdika.J
19 Admire the beautiful architectural
detailing at Sofia History Museum
This museum dedicated to the ‘History of Sofia’ is housed
in the magnificent former baths building behind the
mosque. It finally opened to the public on 17th September 2015, after years of restoration and planning. Eight
halls with over 1000 exhibits from 6000 BC to present day;
among the many items on display, there is a reconstructed
neolithic house, an old news stand, printed materials, costumes and a golden carriage clock presented to Prince
Ferdinand by Queen Victoria. In addition to the permanent exhibits there will also be temporary exhibitions and
there is a special room for children to get their hands on
Sofia’s history.QC-3, pl. Banski 1, Old Baths, MSerdika,
tel. +(359) 2 9854455, www.sofiahistorymuseum.bg/
en. Open 10:00 – 18:00. Closed Mon. Adults: 6 leva.
Children: 2 leva. Family Ticket: 10 leva. Free admission
every second Thursday of the month. J
20 See if you can spot what is missing
at the Communist Party House
Until August 1990 this was the seat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. In the summer of 1990 it was
set on fire by crowds protesting against communist rule.
Based on the designs of P. Zlatev, it was built by a co-op of
architects which included Tsolov and the Soviet architect
Blochin. Completed in 1953, it marks the top end of an area
known as the Largo, a major showpiece of postwar socialist Sofia. Look up and you will notice something distinctly
missing. The red star! This was removed after the collapse
of the communist party. Now it is exhibited at the recently
opened Museum of Socialist Art. Today the building is
mainly used as Government offices and the splendid Sofia Hall is occasionally used for charity concerts.Q C-3, pl.
Alexander Battenberg 1, MSerdika. 21Check out THE international art
collection at National Gallery
Kvadrat
The newest museum building in Bulgaria – the National
Gallery – opened on May 25, 2015 in the building of the
former State Printing House on Alexander Nevsky Square.
Almost 2,000 artworks from the gallery’s rich fund of over
42,000 pieces by Bulgarian and foreign artists, are exhibited in 28 halls on four levels. The Bulgarian collection
dates back to the 1890s, while the greater part of the foreign collection was formed in the 1980s. As an institution,
the National Gallery unites the former National Museum of
Bulgarian Fine Arts and the National Gallery of Foreign Art.
The idea of housing a national gallery in the complex of
buildings that includes the National Gallery of Foreign Art
and the vacated wings of the Technical University with its
entrance across from the Vasil Levski monument, began
to be developed in 1999. The public tender for the design
of a modern museum centre was won by the architect
Yanko Apostolov in 2010. The Bulgarian Ministry of Culture signed a contract for EU funding under the Regional
Development Operational Programme. The representative
exposition (conceived by famous Bulgarian contemporary
artist Svetlin Rusev) features works tracing the path of Bulgarian art from the mid-nineteenth century to the present
day, Western European art from 15th.-19th. centuries, and
art exhibits from Europe, Asia, Africa and America.QC-3,
ul. 19 Fevruari 1, MSofiyski Universitet, tel. (+359) 2
980 0093, www.nationalartgallerybg.org. Open 10:00 –
18:00. Closed Mon, Last admission 17:30. Adults: 10 leva;
children, students and pensioners: 5 leva. Entrance is
free every second Thursday of the month. J
22 Tanks and Military gear that
once represented the foe AT THE
National Military History Museum
This 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 as older memorabilia including uniforms, and a lock of Vassil Levski’s hair.
QD-6, ul. Cherkovna 92, tel. (+359) 2 946 1805, www.
militarymuseum.bg. Open 10:00 – 18:00. Closed Mon,
Tue. Children up to 7 years – free of charge, Adults –
8 leva, Family ticket – 10 leva. Free admission last
Wednesday of the month.
23 Familiarise yourself with the
Bulgarian artists at the Sofia
City Art Gallery
This modernist concrete block, originally a casino until 1944,
became the home of the City Gallery in the 1970s, although
the gallery itself was founded in 1928 and was first known as
The City Museum. The permanent collection consists of predominantly 20th century paintings and sculptures by Bulgarian artists, many of which have been donated to the gallery, but there are frequent visiting exhibitions. The galleryoften hosts musical recitals and avant-garde events. A small
area at the entrance sells postcards, posters and books about
Bulgarian art.QC-3, ul. Gurko 1, MSerdika, tel. (+359) 2
987 2181, www.sghg.bg. Open 10:00 – 19:00, Sun 11:00 –
18:00. Closed Mon. Free admission on Thursdays. J
24 Visit the only UNESCO heritage
listed building in Sofia
the famous Boyana Church
One of Bulgaria’s most significant historical treasures, listed
on the Unesco World Cultural Heritage 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.Qul.
Boyansko Ezero 1-3, Boyana, Sofia, tel. (+359) 2 959 0939,
www.boyanachurch.org. Open 09:30 – 17:30.
25 Find out more about the story
of the Jews in Bulgaria at the
Synagogue
The largest Synagogue in the Balkans and third largest in Europe was built between 1905 and 1909 by Austrian architect
Gruenanger in Spanish-Mauritanian and Byzantine style. The
building is a smaller replica of the Sephardic synagogue in
Vienna, which was destroyed during the Second World War.
With seating for over 1000 people, it is open to visitors and
worshippers. A museum tracing the history of Jews in Bulgaria is to be found inside the synagogue building. Of particular interest is the permanent exhibition dedicated to the
saving of the Bulgarian Jews during WWII.QB-3, ul. Ekzarh
Josif 16, tel. (+359) 2 983 5085, www.sofiasynagogue.
com. Open 09:00 – 13:00; 14:00 – 16:30.
78 recommandé par les habitants
Musée d'Histoire Régionale - Sofia
1 Platno.„Banski"20 See if you can spot what is missing
at the Communist Party House
Until August 1990 this was the seat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. In the summer of 1990 it was
set on fire by crowds protesting against communist rule.
Based on the designs of P. Zlatev, it was built by a co-op of
architects which included Tsolov and the Soviet architect
Blochin. Completed in 1953, it marks the top end of an area
known as the Largo, a major showpiece of postwar socialist Sofia. Look up and you will notice something distinctly
missing. The red star! This was removed after the collapse
of the communist party. Now it is exhibited at the recently
opened Museum of Socialist Art. Today the building is
mainly used as Government offices and the splendid Sofia Hall is occasionally used for charity concerts.Q C-3, pl.
Alexander Battenberg 1, MSerdika. 21Check out THE international art
collection at National Gallery
Kvadrat
The newest museum building in Bulgaria – the National
Gallery – opened on May 25, 2015 in the building of the
former State Printing House on Alexander Nevsky Square.
Almost 2,000 artworks from the gallery’s rich fund of over
42,000 pieces by Bulgarian and foreign artists, are exhibited in 28 halls on four levels. The Bulgarian collection
dates back to the 1890s, while the greater part of the foreign collection was formed in the 1980s. As an institution,
the National Gallery unites the former National Museum of
Bulgarian Fine Arts and the National Gallery of Foreign Art.
The idea of housing a national gallery in the complex of
buildings that includes the National Gallery of Foreign Art
and the vacated wings of the Technical University with its
entrance across from the Vasil Levski monument, began
to be developed in 1999. The public tender for the design
of a modern museum centre was won by the architect
Yanko Apostolov in 2010. The Bulgarian Ministry of Culture signed a contract for EU funding under the Regional
Development Operational Programme. The representative
exposition (conceived by famous Bulgarian contemporary
artist Svetlin Rusev) features works tracing the path of Bulgarian art from the mid-nineteenth century to the present
day, Western European art from 15th.-19th. centuries, and
art exhibits from Europe, Asia, Africa and America.QC-3,
ul. 19 Fevruari 1, MSofiyski Universitet, tel. (+359) 2
980 0093, www.nationalartgallerybg.org. Open 10:00 –
18:00. Closed Mon, Last admission 17:30. Adults: 10 leva;
children, students and pensioners: 5 leva. Entrance is
free every second Thursday of the month. J
22 Tanks and Military gear that
once represented the foe AT THE
National Military History Museum
This 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 as older memorabilia including uniforms, and a lock of Vassil Levski’s hair.
QD-6, ul. Cherkovna 92, tel. (+359) 2 946 1805, www.
militarymuseum.bg. Open 10:00 – 18:00. Closed Mon,
Tue. Children up to 7 years – free of charge, Adults –
8 leva, Family ticket – 10 leva. Free admission last
Wednesday of the month.
23 Familiarise yourself with the
Bulgarian artists at the Sofia
City Art Gallery
This modernist concrete block, originally a casino until 1944,
became the home of the City Gallery in the 1970s, although
the gallery itself was founded in 1928 and was first known as
The City Museum. The permanent collection consists of predominantly 20th century paintings and sculptures by Bulgarian artists, many of which have been donated to the gallery, but there are frequent visiting exhibitions. The galleryoften hosts musical recitals and avant-garde events. A small
area at the entrance sells postcards, posters and books about
Bulgarian art.QC-3, ul. Gurko 1, MSerdika, tel. (+359) 2
987 2181, www.sghg.bg. Open 10:00 – 19:00, Sun 11:00 –
18:00. Closed Mon. Free admission on Thursdays. J
24 Visit the only UNESCO heritage
listed building in Sofia
the famous Boyana Church
One of Bulgaria’s most significant historical treasures, listed
on the Unesco World Cultural Heritage 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.Qul.
Boyansko Ezero 1-3, Boyana, Sofia, tel. (+359) 2 959 0939,
www.boyanachurch.org. Open 09:30 – 17:30.
25 Find out more about the story
of the Jews in Bulgaria at the
Synagogue
The largest Synagogue in the Balkans and third largest in Europe was built between 1905 and 1909 by Austrian architect
Gruenanger in Spanish-Mauritanian and Byzantine style. The
building is a smaller replica of the Sephardic synagogue in
Vienna, which was destroyed during the Second World War.
With seating for over 1000 people, it is open to visitors and
worshippers. A museum tracing the history of Jews in Bulgaria is to be found inside the synagogue building. Of particular interest is the permanent exhibition dedicated to the
saving of the Bulgarian Jews during WWII.QB-3, ul. Ekzarh
Josif 16, tel. (+359) 2 983 5085, www.sofiasynagogue.
com. Open 09:00 – 13:00; 14:00 – 16:30.