Other sightseeing points

This theatre in the city park is a model of Baroque architecture. Along the facade of this majestic building, six columns with beautiful capitals support a large triangular pediment, decorated with mythological high reliefs. To the sides two towers rise up, topped by sculptures of the Goddess Nike. If you visit the park in front of it you will have the unique experience of witnessing men of all ages, peacefully playing chess around the fountains, which although recently repaired are now off.  

Central Market Hall (Halite)  

Recently re-opened, this beautiful building was built in 1910. It was the first of its kind in Bulgaria where the sale of food was centralized and subjected to sanitary regulations. Its architectural style can be described as neo- Byzantine, in visual harmony with the nearby Banya Bashi Mosque and the Central Baths. The Hali are once again a food market as well as a modern shopping mall and a food court.  

The Alexander Battenberg Mausoleum  

At Vasil Levski Blvd., this pretty and harmonious building is a fine example of Neo-Baroque architecture. It was built in 1892, after an international architectural competition where a German entry was awarded. Later on, the Swiss architect Meier was commissioned and his designs were used for the building.  

The National Opera House  

Situated in one of the most impressive buildings in Sofia on the corner of Rakovski St. and Dondukov Blvd. Ten columns are lined up along the main facade, above which a rich frieze illustrates the struggle of the Bulgarian nation against fascism. The foyers, balconies and large hall are decorated with multi-coloured marble, paintings showing scenes from different operas, and exquisite plaster ornaments.   

National Assembly   

The Parliament (National Assembly) building, listed as a cultural monument, is situated on the square of the same name on Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. It was built in three stages from 1884 to 1928, on plans of the Viennese architect Yovanovich. Above the main entrance runs the slogan "Unity makes Strength" (Obedinenieto Pravi Silata). In January 1997 the building was stormed and damaged by angry protestors that led to the eventual downfall of the socialist government.  

The Central Baths  

'Tsentralnata Banya' in Bulgarian. This colorful building with ceramic mosaics on the facades is built on the site of a former smaller Ottoman bath. It was open for public in 1911 as a public bath with separate facilities for men and women. It is currently being refurbished to become partly a museum of the city and partly a hydrotherapy center. Its front yard is usually full of people queuing to fill hot water from the mineral spring, rich in sulfur and other minerals. Of Maria Luiza Blvd., behind the Banya Bashi Mosque.  

The 'Kliment Ohridski' University of Sofia  

This is an imposing Baroque-style building on the corner of Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. and Vassil Levski Blvd. On both sides of the main entrance are the statues of the two brothers, Hristo and Evlogii Georgiev, who donated the land and money for the founding of the university.  

The Party House  

Occupying the intersection of two of the city's main boulevards with the central square, this imposing building strikes even the ignorant as being 'something important'. Until August 1990 it was the seat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. Smoke-blackened walls from protests in the summer of 1990 are still to be seen, and where the gigantic red five-point star used to be atop the big black pole, the flag of the Republic of Bulgaria now flies. Currently home to St. Sofia Hall which hosts concerts and other events.  

National Palace of Culture  

Usually referred to as NDK. This spaceship-like modern building, which you cannot miss near the top end of Vitosha Blvd was opened in 1981 at enormous cost to the nation reflected in much of the original and dramatic art commissioned for the building. The several-building complex serves as a congress centre and also houses several large concert halls, exhibition space, offices, cinemas, restaurants and shops. The pedestrian area outside provides countless open air cafes and entertainment rides for young children. The fountains in front were restored in 1999 and are a delight to behold in spring and summer