Monuments, Statues and Museums.

There are several interesting and quality museums in Sofia and LOADS of monuments.

Let’s start with Museums first-

Museums

Sofia is stuffed full of history and this small museum which was formerly a mosque has a wonderful range of ancient treasures on display. When we visited it was not busy, the staff were very friendly and on hand if you had any questions.

There is a an attractive central main hall which is surrounded by a minstrels’ gallery with a couple of rooms accessible from there including the Treasury Hall which is possibly the highlight. Items on display ranged from pre history to Ancient Roman as well as medieval. Most artifacts had an English description which was helpful. Highly recommended.

Sofia History Museum

The museum is set in the stunning former bath house that was built in 1913 and has 8 permanent exhibitions covering the regional history of Sofia.

Red Flat Museum

This is a quirky and imformative experience, a museum set in a small flat of an average family that takes you back in time to Communist Bulgaria in the 1980’s. You will need to book your ticket in advance so click on the museum title above and it will take you to their website. You will then get instructions of where to go at your alloted time which entails collecting your museum passes from a quirky and interesting gift shop. The museum is around the corner and is very easy to miss [even with directions].

Assuming that you find the entrance you need to head upstairs to the flat. You will be given a small MP3 player and headphones with 46 short commentaries that relate to various rooms and objects in the flat. It’s a fascinating experience that requires up to an hour and a half of your time. I loved the history lesson that I was given but I think children may find it a bit of a struggle to stay focused.

Museum of Socialist Art

*Lenin, originally located in central Sofia, now replaced by Sveta Sofia.*

If you love Communist and Socialist art like I do then a visit to this open air museum is a must. It is outside of the main city centre so you may opt to get the metro to Jolet Curie and it is a 15 minute walk from there.

The Red Star used to reside on Party House in Sofia.

The museum also has an impressive indoor display of socialist art and propaganda.

Monuments and Statues

Monument to Sveta Sofia

The controversial monument to Sveta Sofia, partly inspired by the Greek goddess Athena, was erected in the year 2000 and replaced the statue of Lenin which was removed in 1990 and is now housed in the Museum of Socialist Art. The sexualized statue is a travesty as it shows Saint Sofia standing proud holding pagan symbols which stood for everything that she opposed as a Christian. The horrific story of Sofia will explain all.

Monument to the Soviet Army

This monument which was unveiled in 1954 is in a large park near the football stadium. We walked here from Sveti Sedmochislenitst Church and afterwards took the Metro from St Kliment Ohridski back into the centre. The Metro station is in the top left corner of the park on Bulevard Tsar Osvoboditel. The main monument is flanked by other imposing and evocative Communist figures There has been pressure recently, partly due to the antics of Russia invading Ukraine for the monument to be removed or dismantled. More about that story HERE.

Next to the Metro Station is Eagle Bridge which commemorates the release and return of Bulgarian prisoners from the Ottomans in 1878.

The City Garden.

This attractive garden in front of beautiful National Theatre Building has many scupltures and a wonderful fountain feature in the centre. It is a popular place to laze away a sunny afternoon.