Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Ploshtad Alexander Nevski, Map

Named after St. Alexander Nevski, a Russian Tsar who saved Russia from invading Swedish troops in 1240 and the patron saint of Tsar Alexander II, who was also referred to as Bulgaria’s Tsar Osvoboditel (Liberator), since it was his troops that finally brought about Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule.The foundation stone of Sofia’s biggest church was laid in 1882.Built between 1904-1912 in the Neo Byzantine style, typical for Russian churches in the 19th century, the cathedral is 76 metres long and 53 metres wide and is said to hold up to 7000 people. It covers an area of 2600 square metres. The belfry is 52 metres high and houses 12 bells. Some of Russia and Bulgaria's best artists of the time worked on the interior with its five aisles and three altars. Sienna and Carrera marble in the entrance area, stained glass windows, Venetian mosaics and dramatic murals such as The Lord God Sabbath in the main cupola, and The Day of Judgement above the exit, onyx and alabaster columns on the thrones all add to the richness of the interior without making it in any way gaudy. The spectacular external golden domes were covered in gold leaf, donated by Russia in 1960 and have recently been regilded.The Russian architect A.N.Pomerantsev is also the architect of the famous GUM (State Department Store) in Moscow.

Banya Bashi Mosque

Maria Luisa Blvd., Map

This brick building was built in 1576 as part of a larger complex around the mineral baths.
The dome has a diameter of 15 metres, and the building is the only remaining example in Bulgaria of a domed roof on a cubic base. The architect Mimar Sinan was chief architect to the Sultan and his works also include the Selim mosque in Edrine and the Blue mosque in Istanbul Turkey.
It is the only working mosque in Sofia and the muezzin calls the worshippers to prayer every day with a loudspeaker on the minaret. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times

Baths

Triarditsa St., Map

The beautiful building of the city’s former mineral baths has recently escaped dereliction and subsequent destruction, and is now being painstakingly restored to its former glory.
Originally completed in 1908 in the Neo Byzantine style, the building housed one large pool and two separate wings for men and women with smaller mineral pools. It will now house the City Museum as well as a spacentre. The architect was Petko Momchilov, one of Bulgaria’s most recognised architects of that era.

Boyana Church

Boyana

One of Bulgaria’s most significant historical treasures, listed on the Unesco World CulturalHeritage list. Set amongst tall old pine trees in the exclusive suburb of Boyana on Vitosha mountain, this quaint church dates back to the 11^th century and was built in three stages (11^th, 13^th and 19^th 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.

The Cyril and Methodius National Library

88 Vassil Levski Blvd., Map

Officially opened at the end of 1953, construction on this neoclassical building had started as early as 1939, but was then put on hold because of the Second World War. The Library was designed to hold 1.5 million books with a reading room for 450 people. Architects: Ivan Vasiliov & Dimitar Tzolov
In the garden area directly in front there is a statue of the two brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius, added in 1975.

Eagles Bridge

Evlogi Georgiev Blvd./ Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Map

Built in1891, across the Perlovska River, according to a project by Kolar& Proshek, the stone bridge flanked by four bronze eagles atop four granite columns was seen to mark the entrance to the city and the start of a new era. The chosen site marked the place where Sofianites welcomed back the revolutionaries in 1878, and the eagles were seen as a symbol of freedom.

Former Tsar’s Palace

Ploshtad Knyaz Battenber, Map

Built in 1873, it was the residence of the ruling governor during the Ottoman occupation, with administrative offices and police headquarters on the lower floors. It was in fact here that Vassil Levski was tried and sentenced to death. After liberation it became the seat of the Bulgaria’s first post liberation monarch, Knyaz Alexander Battenberg and it was the first building to be refurbished in contemporary Viennese style, with Austrian architects Rumpelmaier and Gruenanger each adding new wings. It is now home to the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum. The exterior has recently been restored to its former glory and now the no doubt once splendid royal chambers require attention. .

Halite

Maria Luisa Blvd., Map

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.
The ornate facade - which incorporates Byzantine and medieval Bulgarian architectural elements - has alternating layers of stone and brick, large window niches and a high central arch above thatis the city coat of arms topped by a small clock tower. Long before the Hali was built, archaeological excavations show that the site served as a gathering and market place dating back thousands of years. In the basement are archaeological remains, including Roman baths and parts of Serdica’s fortress wall. Reopened in the summer of 2000, the Hali has assumed its rightful place as the city’s central marketplace.
Architect Nahum Tarbov

Holy Synod

Ploshtad Alexander Nevski, Map

This beautiful ornate building was built in 1908 by Petko Momchilov and J Milanov
Red and gold Majolica tiled friezes wrap the building, the central mosaic portrait depicts three members of the Holy Synod. Sadly much of original sculptural elements were destroyed during the Second World War. This building is the residence of the Bulgarian Patriarch and is not open to the public.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Dyakon Ignati St., Map

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 facade, is fronted by a large pediment, supported on six white marble columns, depicting Apollo and the muses. The twin towers that rise up behind are crowned with sculptures of the goddess Nike.
The interior was destroyed by fire in 1923, and restored again six years later increasing the theatres seating capacity to over 1000. The ornate main hall has an 850 audience capacity. The stage curtain, with its mythical firebird motive from Stravinsky’s ballet, was woven by women from Panagyurishte.

Law Courts

2 Vitosha Blvd., Map

Built between 1928 and 1936 the massive neo classical building fronted by two large bronze lions, takes up an entire block between Alabin and Pozitano St. The architect Nikolai Lazarov had won the design competition back in 1914. From 1981 till 1999 the building was home to the National History Museum but has since been restored to its former function.

Lions Bridge

Maria Luisa Blvd. / Slivnitsa Blvd., Map

Another symbolic bridge for Sofia is on the way to the Central Railway Station north of the city center. Designed by the architect Proshek in 1890, four larger than life lion bronze sculptures flank the bridge across the Vladayska River at the top of Maria Luisa Blvd. The site used to mark the northern border of the city and was often used as an area for national celebrations.

Military Club

Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Map

The Military Club in its hey day, prior to 9^th September 1944, was the venue for many a splendid ball, attended by royalty and Sofia’s elite. Built in 1895 based on designs by the architect Antonin Kolar, the architect Nikola Lazarov also participated in the construction, The facade of this attractive Renaissance-style building was restored a few years ago as part of a UNDP-funded “Beautiful Bulgaria” project, and the Military Club is once again proving a popular venue for social events.

National Assembly

Ploshtad Narodno Sabranie, Map

The slogan on the facade above the entrance "Obedinenieto Pravi Silata", loosely translated means 'United we are strong', which seems wishful for any parliament. This is the scene of regular public protests and back in 1997 the building was actually stormed and damaged, leading to the eventual downfall of the socialist party.
Built in three stages between 1884 - 1928, it was built by Bulgarian Architect, Konstantin Ivanovich who had been living and working in Vienna.

Party House

Dondukov Blvd., Map

Until August 1990 this was the seat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party
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 era. Today the building is mainly used as Government offices and the splendid Sofia Hall is occasionally used for charity concerts.

Presidency

Dondukov Blvd., Map

The Presidency was built in the mid 1950s as part of the ‘Largo’ complex according to designs by Tzolov. Today the Bulgarian president has his official chambers here facing the archaeological museum and his rather smart guard of honour has been photographed by many a tourist.

Russian Church

Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Map

This small decorative church with its golden onion domes was built between 1912 and 1914, (by many of the same workers from the nearby Nevski Cathedral) to appease a Russian diplomat afraid to worship in Bulgarian churches. The church is named after St. Nikolai ‘the miracle maker’. To this day wishes are written on slips of paper and placed in the wooden box by the white marble sarcophagus of Bishop Serafim (1881 – 1950), who is buried in the crypt. Although never canonized, he is revered by many Bulgarians as a saint.

Rotunda of St. George

In the courtyard behind the Sheraton Hotel, Map

This charming round red brick church dates back to the 4th century, although it did not become a church till the 6th century. It is Sofia's oldest preserved building. Having undergone major restoration work, it was reopened to the public in 1998 for the first time in 70 years. Three layers of frescoes can still be seen, the oldest dating back to the 10th century illustrating the development of monumental painting through to the 14th century. Nowadays it often hosts small art exhibits.

Roman Sofia

Long before Sofia became the capital of Bulgaria, ancient Serdika was a town of some significance. Ruins have been discovered all around the centre of town: behind and around the SheratonHotel, in the underpass by the Presidency and, recently, the amphitheatre on Budapest St.

Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’

Shipka St., Map

The University was founded in 1888 and was originally named after the brothers Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev who donated the land and funds for the construction of a university building. Their statues are seated outside the main entrance. The international design competition was originally won by Henri Breansson in 1907, his designs were however later modified by Yordan Milanov. The foundation stone having been laid in 1920, construction didn’t start till 1941 and new wings designed by L.Konstantinov were completed as late as 1985.

Sveta Nedelya Church

Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, Map

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.

Sveta Paraskeva Church

On the corner of Rakovski St. and Tsar Simeon, Map

This dramatic and imposing looking church was built in 1928 by the Bulgarian architect Anton Torniov, who had a reputation for his interest in medieval cult architecture.It is currently the seat of the alternative Synod.

Sveta Petka Samardzhiiska

In the underpass between TSUM and the Sheraton Hotel, Map

This quaint church was built in the 14th century during Ottoman rule which explains why it is below ground level and very simple in its exterior. Apart from a small skylight, which is now blocked, there is no natural daylight inside. As you enter the church, be sure to make your way upstairs to see the remains of the murals, dating from the beginning of the 15^th century, although the subject matter of the murals dates back to an era prior to Ottoman occupation.
Today St.Petka works again as a normal church with regular services. A small ‘admission donation’ is requested to cover the expenses involved in keeping the church open.
The nickname Samardzhiiska comes from the Bulgarian word for the leather craftsmen who supported the church and had their market nearby.

Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church

Graf Ignatiev St., Map

Looking at the pretty church that stands in the middle of the park, it is not obvious that this was once a mosque, known as the Black Mosque after the black marble that was used for the minarets. It’s current name is in reference to Sofia being liberated on the feast day of one of the Holy Seven Saints; Sveti Naum.

Sveta Sofia Church

Moskovska St., Map

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 that gave its name to the present-day capital back in the 14th century.
The simple red brick church dates back to the 5th/6th century when it was the site of Serdica's necropolis. During the Ottoman yoke it was turned into a mosque, but after an earthquake in 1818 toppled the minaret and another some 40 years later killed the Imam's two sons, it was abandoned and restored as a church after liberation. In more recent months it has been the scene of a bitter dispute between rival factions of the Orthodox Church.

Synagogue

Ekzarh Josif St., Map

Built between 1905 and 1909 by Austrian architect Gruenanger, the building is a smaller replica of the Sephardic synagogue in Vienna, which was destroyed during the Second World War. It is open to visitors and worshippers and there is a museum, which traces the history of Jews in Bulgaria.

MONUMENTS


Alexander Battenberg Mausoleum

Vassil Levski Blvd., Map

This beautiful, and in recent years much neglected, monument is finally getting the restoration it deserves and is at the time of writing not open to the public. Originally built in 1897 and designed by Swiss architect H. Meyer, the exterior of the single copper-domed building reflects the strong influences of European turn of the century architecture.

Ivan Vazov Monument

Moskovska St., Map

The grave and monument to Bulgaria’s national poet is just beside the Sveta Sofia church in the heart of the city, which is where Vazov requested to be buried. The boulder was brought from Vitosha Mountain to form part of the monument in 1956.
The house where Ivan Vazov lived and died on the corner of Ivan Vazov and Rakovski St. is also open to the public

Sophia Statue

Todor Alexandrov Blvd., Map

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.

Soviet Army Monument

Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Map

The fate of this tall prism(?), crowned with an 8-meter high sculpture and bronze figurative compositions around the base dedicated to the theme of the Soviet Army, has in recent yearscaused some controversy about whether it should be kept or pulled down. For a while it was covered by 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.

Tsar Osvoboditel Monument

Narodno Sabranie Sq., Map

This fine bronze statue portrays the Russian Tsar Alexander II on horseback and is a gesture of gratitude to the Russian Tsar and his troops who finally liberated Bulgaria in 1878 from Ottoman rule. The statue is 14 metres high by the Italian sculptor Arnaldo Zucci, who won the commission in a highly coveted competition. The monument itself was unveiled in August 1907, and the reliefs at the base of the monument depict various scenes from Bulgaria’s history of liberation.

Unknown Soldier

Ploshtad Alexander Nevski, Map

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”

Vassil Levski Monument

Vassil Levski Blvd., Map

An obelisk by the Czech Architect Molar marks the spot where the revolutionary Vassil Levski was hanged in 1873. This is the first monument to be erected after liberation.

Ruski Pametnik (Russian Monument)

Ruski Pametnik Sq., Map

This was the first monument to be built in Sofia after the liberation from centuries of Turkish rule. The 10-meter high pyramid of white sandstone is sliced off at the top. The sculptor is unknown but it is certain that the monument was built in honor of Tsar Alexander II.