Attractions

Sofia Sightseeing

Sofia is over 2,000 years old and its centre is like a walk-through history lesson, with Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, Ottoman Turks and Soviet-inspired communists all having left their architectural imprint. Essential Sofia:

1. Alexander Nevski Memorial Church
2. Archaeological Museum
3. Boyana Church
4. Natural Museum of History
5. Earth and Man National Museum
6. Ethnographic Museum
7. National Military History Museum

 Alexander Nevski Memorial Church

Built by Russian architects, inspired by the glories of ancient Byzantium, this multi-domed ecclesiastical monster has been Sofia’s visual trademark ever since its completion in 1924. It was built in memory of the Russia’s nineteenth-century contribution to Bulgaria’s liberation, although the Aleksander referred to in the title,s is actually a medieval prince of Novgorod, who battled Teutonic Knights. Decorated from floor to ceiling with frescoes and illuminated by flickering candles, the vast interior is as atmospheric as they come.
Open 07:00 - 19:00.
Daily Liturgy - 08:00 and 17:00; Vigil - Sat 18:30; Mass - Sun 09:30

 Archeological 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.

top  Boyana Church

If medieval church art turns you on then the UNESCO-listed Boyana church will have you foaming at the mouth with excitement. Just about every square inch of the interior is covered with bible scenes and saintly portraits, rendered by hirteenthcentury artists. Nobody knows the identity of the painters, but their mastery of realistic depiction and sophisticated use of colour puts them on a par with Italian artists of the early Renaissance. It is a tiny church consisting of two parts: the oldest dates from the 10th century, when it served as the chapel of Boyana fortress. A second floor was added in 1259 by the Sevastokrator (or local governor) Kaloyan, who used the church as his family chapel. It was Kaloyan, who commissioned the frescoes for which Boyana church is famous. Restored in various stages over the past forty years, the main body of the church was never open to the public in its entirety until December 2006. Highlights include portraits of Kaloyan and wife Desislava dressed in sumptuous robes, and the earliest known portrait of the white-bearded St John of Rila, Bulgaria’s national patron saint.
Open 09:00 - 17:30.
Admission: 10Lv. Combined ticket including National History
Museum: 12Lv.
Visitors are admitted to the church six at a time, at ten-minute intervals, so be prepared to wait.

top  National Museum of History

Located in a park-shrouded former government palace on the northern side of the Okolovrusten put (Sofia’s main ring road), Bulgaria’s National History Museum offers a highly enjoyable chronological journey through at least eight millennia of human civilization on the Balkan Peninsula. Representations of the Earth Mother Goddess, dating from the sixth millennium BC include a fabulous pair of buttocks from the Sofia region. Next up is the Thracian room: unfortunately, many of Bulgaria’s most famous Thracian treasures are touring western museums at present, and it is not known quite when they will come home. However there is still plenty of Thracian gold- and silverware, fantastically decorated with mythical animals, to make a visit here worthwhile. Biggest disappointment is the medieval section, which is largely based on replicas of items kept elsewhere, or on photographs of ruined castles and churches throughout Bulgaria.
Open 09:00- 17:30.
Admission: 10Lv. Combined ticket including BoyanaChurch: 12Lv.
English-language tours cost 20Lv and can be booked in advance on tel. 955 42 80.

top  Earth and Man Museum

Situated just behind the Hilton hotel at the beginning of the Yuzhen Park, this museum has a fascinating, if somewhat poorly displayed, collection of giant crystals and gemstones from around the world. Unfortunately there is also very little explanation in English or other foreign language. The venue is also used for temporary art exhibits as well as musical recitals, the resonance from the crystals adding to the quality of the musical performance.

top  Ethnographic Museum

The museum housed in the eastern wing of the former palace, gives an insight to Bulgarian folklore and traditions including Easter eggs and breads as well as costumes from various regions. Although started in 1878, many valuable exhibits were lost during the bombing in 1944 and probably the most interesting exhibit is the beautifully carved wooden ceiling.

Unfortunately as in most Bulgarian museums, there are very few, if any, English transcriptions of the exhibits. Most museums do however offer English, German, French or Russian speaking guides.

Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00.

top  National 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 older memorabilia including uniforms, and a lock of Levski’s hair.

Opening times: 10.00 - 18.00 (No day off).

For more information and tips, please visit www.sofia.inyourpocket.com.