Saint Sophia Church, Sofia

Saint Sophia Church, Sofia tickets: which one to buy

The Church of Saint Sofia stands on a square in the centre of Sofia, Bulgaria, beside the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and entry to the church is free, while the underground necropolis museum beneath it charges a small admission. The church gave its name to the city of Sofia. Walking tours of central Sofia include the church together with the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beside the church, the Russian Church, the National Assembly and the Rotunda of Saint George.

The free walking tours of Sofia leave twice a day from the Palace of Justice. The church is an active Orthodox church, and services are held regularly. The necropolis museum is well presented, with walkways over the excavated tombs, and it is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the city. The necropolis museum entrance is at the side of the church, and tickets are sold there.

Visiting Saint Sophia Church, Sofia: what to see

The present church was built in the sixth century, during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian, at the same time as the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, on the site of earlier churches built over a Roman necropolis. It is a cross-shaped basilica of red brick, with a dome, and it has survived earthquakes and invasions. In the fourteenth century the city took its name from the church, which means wisdom. During the Ottoman period the church was converted into a mosque, and minarets were added; after two earthquakes in the nineteenth century destroyed a minaret, it was abandoned, and it was restored as a church in the twentieth century. Inside, the church is simple, with fragments of floor mosaics from the earlier churches.

The necropolis beneath has tombs with painted walls and mosaics from the fourth century. Outside, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier holds an eternal flame. The church's brick walls are laid in alternating layers, typical of Byzantine building. The necropolis beneath has around fifty tombs, including some of the earliest Christian tombs in Bulgaria. The mosaics include peacocks, birds and geometric patterns. The interior of the church is simple, with a modern iconostasis. The bell hangs in a tree near the church, as in some other Sofia churches. A small exhibition explains the history of the site. The church's architecture has been compared to that of the churches of Thessaloniki. The eternal flame outside honours Bulgarian soldiers.

Saint Sophia Church, Sofia opening hours and the best time to go

The church and museum are open daily, with the museum closed on Mondays. Sofia is pleasant in spring and autumn; summers are warm, and winters are cold with snow. Orthodox Easter and Christmas bring large congregations and services. The area around the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral hosts markets selling icons and antiques. The Mount Vitosha mountain, visible from the city, offers hiking and skiing. Allow about half an hour for the church and the necropolis, and continue to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral next door. The National Gallery of Foreign Art, a few minutes' walk, holds paintings and sculptures from Europe, Asia and Africa.