A Tour Of Sofia's Most Interesting Architectural Landmarks

Put your most comfortable shoes on and discover the amazing architectural treasures of Sofia – from ancient Roman relics to Ottoman structures and Communist-era edifices.

1. Ancient Serdica

When the excavation work for the Sofia subway started, much of the ancient Roman city of Serdica was unveiled, and subsequently exhibited. Above the central Serdica subway station you will see partly reconstructed remains of Roman streets, houses, a basilica, public buildings, and baths. Some of the structures had to be relocated and are now gathered under a transparent roof with soft sunlight creating a somewhat special atmosphere. Enter the subway stations (both Serdica I and Serdica II, located one above the other) to see some relics behind glass right there in the stations.

Ancient Serdica, Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia Largo | © Guillaume Speurt/Flickr

2. The Catacombs under the Saint Sophia Basilica

Church, Mosque

At first sight, the Saint Sophia Basilica doesn’t look like something special. Not until you learn that there is a whole labyrinth of Roman tombs under its floor. After you enter the church, turn left and take the stairs downstairs to start your tour of the catacombs. You will be able to see how the first Christianized Romans constructed their graves and what the rituals of the time were. The basilica itself is one of the most ancient buildings of Sofia still existing today (4th century), although it has been reconstructed many times (having been both a mosque and a fire brigade headquarters).

2, Paris Str, Sofia, Bulgaria

Interior of Saint Sophia Basilica. The catacombs are below this floor. | © Plamen Agov – studiolemontree.com/WikiCommons

3. The Archaeological Museum

Building, Mosque, Museum

If you look very carefully at this building, it may occur to you that it looks like something familiar. A mosque? Yes, a mosque built back in 1494 by one of the Ottoman sultan’s most important counselors. It doesn’t have a minaret but you can still recognize the typical structure with nine domes. The museum preserves some of the best archaeological findings of Bulgarian history.

Atanas Burov Sq., Sofia, Bulgaria

National Archaeological Museum in Sofia | © Miroslav Nikolov/Wikicommons

5. The National Theater

Theatre

When it was first built in 1907, the National Theater was a masterpiece of architects and artists from Vienna. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed it all in 1923, and it had to be rebuilt, this time with a more reliable construction. The stage mechanism that was installed in 1929 was the best for its time and is still in use today.

6. National Palace of Culture

In 1981, Bulgaria celebrated its 1,300th anniversary. Being a Communist country at the time, it planned a bunch of massive events and boisterous projects to showcase its greatness. Creating a huge cultural center in Sofia was among them, and the National Palace of Culture was built with its eight floors above ground and three levels underground. In its rough and somehow raw facade, you can recognize the Communist-era architectural style that still dominates many areas of the city.

National Palace of Culture, Sofia, Bulgaria

National Palace of Culture in Sofia | © Bin im Garten/WikiCommons

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.