Sofia University "Saint Kliment Ohridski" is a well-established public research institution located in Sofia. This university holds the distinction of being the oldest higher education institution in the country. Its origins date back to October 1, 1888, and its impressive campus was built between 1924 and 1934 with generous financial backing from the brothers Evlogi Georgiev and Hristo Georgiev, whose sculptures now adorn its facade. The university spans an area of 18,624 square meters and boasts a total of 324 different premises.

When it was initially established, Bulgaria had only recently achieved independence. At that time, Sofia University began its journey as a higher pedagogical course, later evolving into a higher school within a few months, and finally obtaining university status in 1904. The university's first rector was the renowned Bulgarian linguist Aleksandar Teodorov-Balan.

Today, Sofia University comprises 16 faculties and three departments, serving as an educational institution for over 21,000 students. It consistently ranks as the top university in Bulgaria, earning recognition from both national and international rankings. Notably, it consistently ranks within the top four percent of world universities according to the QS World University Rankings.

In 2001, Sofia University achieved another milestone by becoming the first Bulgarian Athenaeum to establish a Theological Faculty, overseen by the national Orthodox Church, marking a significant development after the fall of communism.

The National Assembly serves as the sole legislative body and parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria. It was initially established in 1879 alongside the Tarnovo Constitution.

During the period of communist rule from 1946 to 1989, the National Assembly was largely seen as a mere rubber stamp for the Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP). Its influence was limited to matters of lesser importance and significance to the communist regime, as the BCP had complete control over the selection and election processes within its political framework, effectively suppressing any opposition.

The National Assembly Building, utilized for parliamentary debates, holds great historical value and is considered a cultural monument. Situated in the heart of Sofia, it was designed in the Neo-Renaissance style by Konstantin Jovanović, an architect of Serbian-Bulgarian heritage who received his education in Vienna and Switzerland. Among his notable works is the Parliament of Serbia building.

Construction of the National Assembly Building took place between 1884 and 1886, led by Friederich Wilhelm Gustav Liebe, a young builder from Saxony who was only 22 years old at the start of the project. Originally, the building was painted in an off-white color, but it has been white since the latter part of the 20th century.

Notably, the National Assembly Building is depicted on the reverse side of the Bulgarian 20 leva banknote, which was issued in both 1999 and 2007.

Due to space constraints in the primary building located at Parliament Square, certain administrative offices of the National Assembly now occupy the former headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party, situated at the Largo edifices.

Square 500, situated adjacent to the Vassil Levski monument and behind Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, serves as the newly christened Bulgarian National Gallery. This strategic location renders it a convenient destination for tourists.

Within the confines of the National Gallery Square 500, a vast collection of over 42,000 artworks is housed, encompassing contributions from both the National Art Gallery and the National Gallery for Foreign Art. The exhibition comprises approximately 2,000 artworks, with a fifty-fifty split between Bulgarian artists and those hailing from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Of particular note is the exceptional collection hosted by the National Gallery for Foreign Art, which showcases art from distant lands, exotic tribes and nations, spanning various historical periods. It seamlessly intertwines with contemporary European art trends, traditional, and religious artistic principles, spanning a millennium. The European graphic school predominantly features in the collection, with a somewhat limited representation of art from the USA, Latin America, and Asia. Notably, the collection includes two invaluable sets of traditional Japanese woodblock printing, Ukiyo-e, and Indian miniature paintings.

The architectural profile of the western Gallery building is a reconstruction of the old State Printing House, originally designed by architect Friedrich Schwanberg from Vienna, partially damaged during World War II bombings. Today, its appearance aligns with the requirements of a modern gallery, a result of the collaborative efforts of renowned Bulgarian architects, artists, art historians, and arrangers.

Square 500 boasts magnificent halls and modern amenities, including multimedia equipment, making it an ideal venue for hosting a wide range of cultural, social, and business events.

Construction of Sofia’s Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was dedicated to the Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878— the conflict that finally brought an end to centuries of Ottoman rule in Bulgaria. The cathedral takes its name from Saint Alexander Nevsky, the 13th-century prince whose title “Nevsky” refers to his famed victory over Swedish forces at the Battle of the Neva River in 1240.

The cathedral’s design was created by Alexander N. Pomerantsev, a Russian architect known for his eclectic style. He envisioned a grand Neo-Byzantine cross-domed basilica, drawing inspiration from early Eastern Orthodox architecture. Multiple domes rise above the structure, culminating in a uppermost dome sheathed in real gold. With its arches and monumental presence, the cathedral is often described as one of the largest Orthodox church buildings in the world.

If you stand on the square in front of the cathedral and look up, you will see a gold dome above the bell tower. The bell tower holds twelve bells weighing a total of 23 tons. The larger central golden dome behind it reaches 148 feet in height, while the nave roof spans an impressive 92 feet. As you step inside, you will notice its vast interior—covering 34,000 square feet—and said to be able to accommodate up to 5,000 worshipers.

One of the treasures inside is a pair if royal thrones located on a raised platform in front of the iconostasis. Above the thrones, in the arch, is a mosaic portrait of King Ferdinand and Queen Eleonore in full ceremonial robes, holding a model of the cathedral. Near the altar, a reliquary displays a rib believed to belong to Saint Alexander Nevsky himself. It is recommended that you visit the crypt museum beneath the cathedral, as it houses one of Europe’s largest collections of Orthodox icons.

The cathedral also preserves notable historical artifacts and craftsmanship. The Italian-made marble iconostasis remains one of its most admired features. The crypt museum, open separately from the main sanctuary, displays over 300 icons spanning the 9th to the 19th century, offering one of the most comprehensive surveys of Orthodox icon painting in Europe.

Saint Sofia Church dates to the 6th century, built during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, placing it in the same era as Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia. Like its famous counterpart, it was turned into a mosque under Ottoman rule—yet unlike Hagia Sophia, it eventually returned to Christian worship, reclaiming its original identity.

It is the second-oldest church in the Bulgarian capital. In the 14th century, its name—Sofia, meaning “Wisdom”—was adopted by the city itself. If you are admiring the church from the outside, you'll see its rectangular basilica form, with undecorated walls made from red brick and small, evenly spaced window openings. You can notice a simple construction, with a low and pitched roofline, without domes, towers, or a bell tower.

During its conversion into a mosque in the 16th century, the church gained two minarets. In the 19th century, two earthquakes struck the building—one minaret collapsed, and the mosque was abandoned soon after. Large-scale restoration only began in 1900, following the end of Ottoman rule.

When you step inside the church, you’ll see the same simple red-brick walls. During the Ottoman period, when the church was converted into a mosque, its medieval frescoes were lost. Head to the Underground Museum, where layers of buildings from across the centuries are exposed, reaching back as far as the 3rd century AD. Here, excavations have revealed an extensive necropolis beneath and around the basilica, with numerous tombs, crypts, and remnants of earlier sanctuaries now accessible to visitors. Pay attention to the floors decorated with early Christian mosaics featuring detailed animal and floral patterns.

For centuries, local tradition has held that Saint Sofia’s protective power guarded the church through invasions, epidemics, and natural disasters—perhaps part of the reason it remains so well preserved today. In Orthodox iconography, Sofia appears as a woman symbolizing Divine Wisdom, standing above the allegorical figures of Faith, Hope, and Love, linking the church’s name to one of Christianity’s most enduring spiritual ideals.

The final years of Ottoman rule in Bulgaria brought dramatic changes to Sofia’s skyline. In 1882, the Saray Mosque was demolished, leaving an open plot of land directly beside the Russian Embassy. With Bulgaria newly liberated after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, the location seemed almost destined for an official Russian church—a symbol of gratitude and alliance.

The church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Miracle-Maker, the patron saint of Tsar Nicholas II. Russian architect Mikhail Preobrazhenski designed it in a distinct Russian Revival style. Its exterior shimmers with multicolored tiles, while the interior frescoes were painted by the same team responsible for the murals in the grand cathedral next door. Above the church rise five gold-plated domes, accompanied by a carillon gifted by Tsar Nicholas II.

Construction began in 1907, and the church was consecrated in 1914, just as the Russian Empire was approaching its own collapse. Remarkably, the Russian Church remained open throughout Bulgaria’s Communist period. While many religious institutions faced pressure or closure, this one continued to hold services under close, but ultimately non-interfering, state supervision.

One of the most significant features of the church lies below ground: the crypt, which contains the relics of Saint Archbishop Seraphim Sobolev. As the leading figure of Russian Orthodoxy in Bulgaria from 1921 until his death in 1950, he became a beloved spiritual guide. After his canonization, accounts of miracles began to circulate, and visitors today still leave handwritten notes at his tomb, asking for help or blessing.

The church has two entrances, each marked by a meaningful image. The south entrance on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard bears the face of Saint Nicholas, while the north entrance, opening toward a nearby park, features the likeness of Alexander Nevsky. For visitors interested in learning more, guided tours are available with advance arrangement.

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre serves as Bulgaria's premier theatrical institution, boasting the distinction of being both the nation's oldest and most esteemed theater. It holds a prominent position among Sofia's notable landmarks, nestled in the heart of the city with its frontage overlooking the City Garden.

Established in 1904 by the accomplished artists of the Salza i Smyah company, it initially bore the straightforward title of the National Theatre. However, it was subsequently renamed in honor of the renowned writer Ivan Vazov. Notably, it also briefly carried the name Krastyu Sarafov from 1952 to 1962.

The theater's architectural design, a splendid example of Neoclassicism, was crafted by the famed Viennese theater architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner. It reached completion in 1906 and celebrated its grand opening on January 3, 1907. Tragically, a fire ravaged the building during a commemorative event in 1923, necessitating extensive restoration, which was undertaken in 1929 by the German architect Martin Dülfer.

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre boasts a well-appointed primary stage with a seating capacity of 750, complemented by a smaller stage accommodating 120 spectators and an additional 70-seat stage on the fourth floor. The theater's façade is prominently featured on the obverse side of the Bulgarian 50 levs banknote, issued in 1999 and 2006. Over the years, it has played host to productions by celebrated theater directors, including Lilia Abadjieva.

The Church of Saint George is a red brick rotunda dating from the 4th century. Originally built as part of a Roman bath complex in ancient Sofia, it is considered the oldest standing building in Bulgaria’s capital. The structure was converted into a Christian church in late Antiquity and today functions under the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

The rotunda is cylindrical, set on a square base, and topped with a dome. Inside are remarkable frescoes from the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries, with earlier layers dating back to the 10th century. A ring of 22 prophets surrounds the dome. These paintings were covered during the Ottoman period—when the church was used as a mosque—and rediscovered during restoration work in the 20th century.

The dome rises about 45 feet above the floor. Five distinct layers of frescoes have been documented. The oldest, Roman-Byzantine in style, features floral and geometric ornament. Above this is a medieval Bulgarian layer with 10th-century angels. The third layer is a frieze of prophets and scenes such as the Ascension and the Assumption. The fourth contains a 14th-century portrait of a bishop, while the final layer shows Islamic decoration added during Ottoman rule.

The church sits within a courtyard surrounded by former government buildings from the 1950s. On significant occasions, the rotunda is used for military ceremonies and concerts featuring classical or sacred music. A small archaeological zone around the entrance preserves remains of Roman streets, buildings, and an early Christian baptistery, offering visitors a rare glimpse of ancient Sofia.

The Largo is the Former Communist Party House in Sofia, Bulgaria. The structure was built in 1955. It was designed by architect Petso Zlatev in the Socialist Classicism architectural style. It is known as one of the most significant landmarks in Sofia.

The Largo sits on Independence Square. The square consists of yellow cobblestone between the Knyaz Aleksandar Dondukov Boulevard and Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard. The square includes a fountain, which was added in 1958, and a statue of Saint Sophia, added in 2000. There were previously a number of communist symbols, including a statue of Vladimir Lenin and a red star atop a pole, that were removed in 1989.

The Former Communist Party House is now used as the seat of the National Assembly. The edifices on each side are occupied by the TZUM department store, the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria, the Ministry of Education, the Sofia Hotel Balkan and the President's Office.

The President's Office and Balkan Hotel Sofia Building are two historic landmarks in the heart of Sofia. The Presidency was built in the mid-1950s as part of the 'Largo' complex, which includes the offices of the Parliament, the President's Palace, and the Central Universal Store with the Council of Ministers.

The architecture of the Presidency was designed by architect Tsolov, and today, it serves as the official chambers for the Bulgarian President. The building faces the archaeological museum, and a guard of honor stands outside the building, changing every hour, five minutes before the full hour. The official changing of the guards takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at 12:00, complete with music, shouting, and weapon brandishing.

The Balkan Hotel Sofia, on the other hand, was built in 1956 as part of a new architectural trend in Sofia, which combined classical design and lavish décor of Biedermeier furniture. It redefined the concept of space and was part of the President's Palace complex.

The building boasts magnificent Italian marbles, elegant cherry-tree doors, and unique stone mosaics, which are part of the refined historical jewel. The hotel's foundations lay on a historical Roman fortress, and during the construction of the second stage of the Sofia Metro Line, remains of an ancient Christian basilica, six large buildings, mine drainage, and an ancient Roman city Serdika were unearthed.

The Balkan Hotel Sofia has 184 splendid rooms and suites, exclusively appointed with the latest high-tech amenities that are designed to anticipate every need. The building is a landmark in the bustling center of Sofia, ideally located in the heart of the city, abundant with cultural monuments, sites, museums, theaters, cafes, galleries, and parks. The hotel has welcomed members of royal families, heads of state, show business icons, famous business professionals, and high-ranked delegations.

It was recognized as one of the city's grandest hotels and architectural landmarks, offering its guests an exceptional experience of Bulgaria's finest culture and service. The impressive thick walls of the building work as a natural sound barrier, and the lavish corridors give a sense of unrivaled extraordinary grandeur. The Balkan Hotel Sofia is an oasis of luxury, refinement, and impeccable service, making it a premium location for both business and leisure clients.

Saint Nedelya Church, meaning “Holy Sunday”, reflects centuries of Christian worship and linguistic tradition. Built in the medieval period, the church has been destroyed, rebuilt, expanded, and even targeted in a deadly political attack. The first version of Saint Nedelya is believed to have been built in the 10th century. Its foundation was of stone, but the rest of the structure was wooden. By the 18th century, it had become a bishop’s residence and the resting place of Serbian King Stefan Milutin, whose relics had been moved several times since 1460 before finding a home here.

The old church was demolished in 1856 to make way for a larger cathedral. Construction faced setbacks, including damage from an earthquake in 1858, but the new church was completed in 1863. In May 1867, it was inaugurated in front of an enormous crowd of 20,000 people. A new belfry was added in 1879 to house a carillon donated by Prince Alexander M. Dondukov-Korsakov.

In 1925, Saint Nedelya became the site of the deadliest political attack in Bulgarian history, when Communist militants bombed the church during a state funeral, killing more than 150 people. The church was rebuilt between 1927 and 1933, preserving its size while adding a central dome that rises 93 feet above the floor.

Renovation continued into modern times. By 1994, the floor had been replaced and the north colonnade reglazed, and in 2000 the façade received a full cleaning. Today, Saint Nedelya remains an active place of worship and a powerful symbol of Sofia’s endurance through centuries of upheaval.

Have you seen Mount Vitosha while visiting the city? But did you know this is the mountain from which Vitosha Boulevard takes its name from? Today, it serves as the city’s main shopping and commercial artery, running from Saint Nedelya Square all the way to Southern Park. Along its length, visitors encounter a concentration of luxury boutiques, fashionable cafés, elegant restaurants, and lively bars—especially popular for open-air dining in summer and illuminated evening strolls.

Starting near Saint Nedelya Square and heading south toward Southern Park, you’ll come across names like Versace, D&G, La Perla, Lacoste, Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, among others. Most of these stores are set directly along the main pedestrian stretch, making them easy to explore as you walk the boulevard end to end. According to a recent 2024 report, Vitosha Boulevard now ranks among the top 60 most expensive shopping streets in the world.

Before Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman's rule in 1878, the street was lined with small one-story houses. Between the two World Wars, it transformed into a major commercial artery marked by larger-scale construction and European architectural influences. Near the northern end, close to Saint Nedelya Square, stands the imposing Palace of Justice.

Farther along the boulevard, as you head toward the park, you’ll pass the former home of Bulgarian Symbolist poet Peyo Yavorov, located at Georgi S. Rakovski 136—a three-story building with a light-yellow facade. Continue onward to the southern stretch where the National Palace of Culture dominates the skyline. Along this route, you’ll also come across the corner famously known as “The Pharmacy,” part of the Grand Hotel Sofia. Once a favored meeting place for writers and artists, the space within the hotel has since been renovated and repurposed over the years. The hotel building itself is a protected architectural landmark in Sofia.

In 2007, a renovation project was launched to restore the elegant look of 1930s Sofia. Historical street lamps, benches, and Art Nouveau-style kiosks were added, along with new green spaces, fountains, outdoor bars, and a clock tower near Saint Nedelya Cathedral—displaying the time in major world capitals.

One fascinating detail is that beneath Vitosha Boulevard lie underground remains of ancient Sofia, including Roman streets and fragments of early urban life. In some places, you can glimpse these ruins protected by glass panels from the surface.