Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTH OF PLOSHTAD SVETA NEDELYA
Sveta Petka Samardzhiiska Church
(bul Maria Luisa; Serdika)
Closed due to surrounding excavations at the time of re-
search, this tiny church was built during the early years of Ottoman rule (late 14th cen-
tury), which explains its sunken profile and inconspicuous exterior. Inside are some 16th-
century murals. It's rumoured that the Bulgarian national hero Vasil Levski is buried here.
CHURCH
Sofia Synagogue
(
www.sofiasynagogue.com
;
ul Ekzarh Yosif 16; 9am-4pm Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm Sun;
20)
Sofia's Moorish-style synagogue was designed by Austrian architect Friedrich
Gruenanger, and was consecrated in 1909. Built to accommodate up to 1170 worshippers,
it is the second-largest Sephardic synagogue in Europe, and its 2250kg brass chandelier is
the biggest in Bulgaria.
JEWISH
Banya Bashi Mosque
(bul Maria Luisa; admission free; dawn-dusk; 20)
Sofia's only working mosque
was built in 1576. It's certainly an eye-catching edifice and the red-brick minaret makes a
convenient landmark. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times if modestly dressed.
MOSQUE
SOFIA'S BEST FREE ATTRACTIONS
»Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church (
Click here
)
»Borisova Gradina (
Click here
)
»Last Monday of the month at the National Gallery for Foreign Art (
Click here
)
»The preserved ruins of the Roman amphitheatre in the Arena di Serdica (
Click here
)
hotel.
»Sofia City Art Gallery (
Click here
)
Mineral Baths
HISTORIC BUILDING
