Sofia has plenty of monuments and statues [lots of lions!] in parks, squares and on the streets. Here is just a sample of some that we particularly liked. There is so much to see in Sofia that we were only able to visit one museum, The Museum of Socialist Art.
The National Archeological Museum, National Art Gallery and National History Museum all sounded excellent but we just could not fit them in.
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.
Next to the Metro Station is Eagle Bridge which commemorates the release and return of Bulgarian prisoners from the Ottomans in 1878.
Museum of Socialist Art
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 museum also has an impressive indoor display of socialist art and propaganda.
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.
More statues:
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Churches, Synagogue and a Mosque
Gruntie's Travels 