Communist Era Landmarks Walk (Self Guided), Sofia

In the not-so-distant past Bulgaria was part of the Soviet-led Eastern Bloc. Today, this is one of the few countries where you can still find numerous relics of the Communist era manifested in monumental architectural landmarks. Concrete and metal were the main materials as a symbol of the industrialized nation, and the size was important too as a common architectural characteristic prescribed by a massive cultural policy of the Communist state.

The best place to start exploring Communist Landmarks in Sofia is the former headquarters of the Communist Party of Bulgaria. Part of the so-called Largo complex, it dominates the city center and is considered one of the finest examples of postwar Communist architecture in Southeastern Europe.

Apart from the Party House, the Largo comprises two more Stalinist Empire-style buildings constructed in the 1950s: the TZUM-Central Department Store and the President’s Office.

Integral of the cultural Communist heritage are the monuments of colossal dimensions. One such is the Monument to the Soviet Army, erected to pay homage to the soldiers who liberated Bulgaria from fascism. Also legendary and equally impressive is the Mound of Brotherhood, a 42-meter obelisk commemorating the partisans who fell during World War II.

Typically monumental art from the late 20th century resulted in landmarks that illustrate historic events, using specific historic images. If you are a fan of brutalist art, you may wish to check out the Museum of Socialist Art. Here the outdoor area is dotted with all the unwanted stern-looking statues from the said period, while the nearby indoor gallery houses some stirring artwork.

If you want to delve deeper into the Communist-era Sofia for a bit of feeling of what it was like on the east side of the Iron Curtain, take this self-guided historic walking journey and discover some of the key symbols of the Soviet legacy in the city.