The Bulgarian Parliament

The edifice of the Bulgarian Parliament is one of the rightful candidates for the city’s emblem. It was built in three stages from 1884 to 1928, on plans of the Viennese architect Yovanovich. A motto inscribed on its main facade reads ”Union makes strength”.

The Russian Church

Probably the prettiest church in Sofia is the so-called Russian Church St. Nicholai. The roof of the church and above the door are covered with green majolica tiles, which harmonise perfectly with the gold-plated domes. The external decoration of the Russian church is a joy to behold with its exquisite and rich colours.

The National Theatre

The ”Ivan Vazov” National Theatre is the capital’s other emblem. The theatre was named after the greatest Bulgarian poet and writer Ivan Vazov. Designed in the style of German classicism, it contains many elements of the then fashionable Secession style. Along the facade of this majestic building six columns support a large triangular pediment, decorated with mythological high reliefs. To the sides, two towers rise up, topped by sculptures of the Goddess Nike. Two balconies and 850 seats in the 8 pits flank the hall. Two chamber stages are in operation - one with 150 seats and the other with 100.

Slaveikov Square

The largest open-air book market in Sofia is to be found in Slaveikov Square, in front of the City Library. Recently the old three-tier bronze fountain was restored. In the spring of the year 2000 an original monument was created to commemorate two of the most prominent Bulgarian writers, poets and public figures, father and son Petko and Pencho Slaveikov, after whom the square was named. Visitors can sit for a while on the bench near them and have their photo taken as a keepsake.

National Tourist Information Center

The National Tourist Information Centre is situated in the very heart of the capital – 1 Sveta Sofia St. This is also the Central office of the National Tourism Information System based on Internet and by which all local and regional tourist boards as well as tourist associations are included. The Center provides comprehensive information on Bulgaria and on the possibilities of Bulgarian tourism.

St. Nedelia Church

St. Nedelia Church (Opposite the Sheraton Hotel) squats on a plot dividing two of Sofia’s busiest streets, Vitosha Blvd. and Maria Louisa Blvd. St. Nedelia was built in the period 1856-1863 upon remains of the Roman town of Serdica. The church is a popular place

St. Petka Church

There are many archaeological sites in Sofia that display the city's diverse history - the town gates and towers of Serdica, public buildings and streets thousands of years old. A large part of the ancient city of Serdica is underneath important modern buildings. The ancient city council is hidden under the Sheraton hotel, a number of basilicas are below the Palace of Justice, and a Roman residence with elaborate mosaics is below the Rila hotel. Over 250 archaeological, historical and cultural monuments are part of the cityscape of the capital.

St. George Rotunda

Rotunda brick building, adorned with finely preserved early mediaeval frescoes, is in the courtyard behind the Sheraton Hotel, amid the remains of the ancient town of Serdica. Three layers of frescoes have been discovered. The earliest dates back to the 10th century. Magnificent frescoes of 22 prophets over 2 meters tall crown the dome. There are also remains of a 2nd century street and other Byzantine ruins. At present the church is a museum.

Nezavisimost Square

Just across the street is the Largo. On one side is The Central Department store, on the other is the former Communist Party Building, now bereft of its red star and to the right - the Presidency, to the left - the Council of Ministers.

National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery was established in 1948 in the western wing of the former palace. Today, it has more than 12,000 exhibits featuring works by the most prominent 19th and 20th-century Bulgarian artists such as painters Zahari Zograph, Vladimir Dimitrov-Maistora, Tzanko Lavrenov, and sculptor Andrei Nikolov. The display halls are spacious with red velvet-covered walls, huge crystal mirrors, rococo plaster of Paris ornaments and multicoloured marble fireplaces. Unfortunately, the faded decor and hanging ceiling plaster nostalgically evoke a bygone era rather than suitably complement the artwork. The south-facing wing is in appreciably better condition, its bright halls providing an uplifting venue for temporary exhibits of modern graphics, sketches and watercolours.

Ivan Vazov Monument

Nearby is the grave of the patriarch of Bulgarian literature Ivan Vazov. A monument to the poet and writer, marked by an engraved boulder, rises in the small garden in front of the church. Beside the wall of the church is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal burning flame.

St. Sophia Church

Smaller and much less flamboyant than Alexander Nevski, is the nearby Church of St. Sophia. Many legends surround its history, but the basilica was actually built during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian, between 527-565 or even earlier. This red brown church follows the classic Byzantine plan of a cross with a dome at the intersection. The modern city of Sofia was named in the 14th century after the basilica of St. Sofia.

Alexander Nevski Memorial Church

Completed in 1912 in honour the Russian soldiers who died in the 1877-78 War of Liberation from Ottoman rule, the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Memorial Church is the finest piece of architecture in the Balkans. Craftsmen and artists from 6 countries worked on the five-aisle church in the course of 30 years and created real masterpieces - icons, nearly 300 mural paintings and decorative frescoes and huge chandeliers. The frescoed interior and splendid iconostasis surpass its lavish exterior. The interior decoration, made of Italian marble, Egyptian alabaster, Brazilian onyx, gold, and mosaics, embodies the spirit of the finest Eastern Orthodox traditions. The temple is the central patriarch’s cathedral of the autonomous Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

The Crypt

A superb collection of icons, the best in Bulgaria, can also be seen in the Crypt. The crypt museum contains items from the very beginnings of Bulgarian iconography (the end of the 9th century) until the end of the 19th century. All stages of the Bulgarian iconography school are represented in a collection of 1500 items.

Sofia University

St. Kliment Ohridski University is the oldest in Bulgaria and the largest and most advanced educational and research centre in the country. On both sides of the main entrance of the imposing Baroque-style building are the statues of the two brothers, Hristo and Evlogi Georgiev, who donated the land and money for the founding of the University in 1909. The French architect Breanson designed the main building, which is architecturally one of the most remarkable buildings in Sofia.

The Monument to the King Liberator

The square in front of the National Assembly is dominated by the Monument to the King Liberator of Bulgaria - a fine statue of the Russian Tzar Alexander II, whose soldiers fought for Bulgarian independence during the Russian-Turkish war.