Apr 11, 2025

Boyana church Sofia

A UNESCO world heritage site

""Boyana Church" in Sofia is one of my favorite temples in the city. It's a UNESCO heritage gem of a site from the 11th century, next to giant sequoias..."

There are many temples in Sofia, but Boyana church is one of my personal favorites. Away from the city center, it is a gem for explorers and for anyone keen on plunging into the medieval history of Bulgaria.

When I was little and my parents brought me here first, all I had eyes for were the huge red sequoia trees in the yard (very uncharacteristic for my country). When I grew up and visited again, I was fascinated by the magnificent frescoes, especially by the one of the main donator, Sebastocrator Kaloyan, who is portrayed together with his wife Dessislava. All of the paintings in the church look unusually emotionally vivid, considering they were made in the 13th century, which is why they are believed to have played an important role in the development not only of Bulgarian, but also of European medieval painting.

Boyana church dates back to the 11th century. It has been renovated through the years and had actually been used as an Orthodox temple up until 1954. Now it is part of the UNESCO world heritage, and is an important art history monument. A guided tour (10 BGN in a foreign language) here is really worth your time if you want to learn more about the masters of the frescoes and about the people depicted. I recommend reaching the church by taxi, as the public transport is irregular and not very reliable.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

ul. Boyansko ezero 1-3

Entry:

BGN

10

896716811

Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Sofia guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Sofia

MAF

Most beautiful building in Sofia

"MAF", or the Sofia Ministry of Agriculture and Food, does not exist on any tourist map. It's a shame: it's a very beautiful old 19th century building...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Jun 8, 2025

Maze

Go down to rise up

"Maze" is a music cave under the surface of the city of Sofia, where the heart of live alternative music lies, from traditional Bulgarian music to modern...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Simo

Stefanov

Jun 5, 2025

Malkite Pet Kyosheta

Bundle of arts and flavours

"Malkite Pet Kyosheta" in Sofia, literally the Little Five Corners, it a sweet little nickname given to a square where five little streets meet...

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Yana

Alexieva

Jun 5, 2025

Hambara

Candlelit drink

"Hambara" would probably win the 'most hidden bar in Sofia' award. It used to be only known by the 'intelligentsia', locked behind a closed door...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Jun 5, 2025

Sofia zoo

The oldest in the Balkans

The "Sofia zoo" is the largest and oldest one in the Balkan peninsula. I really enjoy going there with my kid - the whole environment is very relaxing...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Bogomil

Alexandrov

Jun 5, 2025

Military Academy Park

New in town

"Military Academy Park" Sofia is a former military academy park that is now opened to the public and serves as my favorite spot in town to relax at...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Jun 5, 2025

The backyard of the palace

Behind the scenes

I try to always hit the 'pause' button as often as possible while in Sofia. One of my favoirte places to do that is the backyard of the Royal Palace...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Jun 5, 2025

Korali

Mineral water pool

"Korali" in Sofia on Pancharevo lake is one of the best and most popular places to experience the city's spring waters! I like going in the evenings...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Jun 5, 2025

Villa Rosiche

Sweet memories

"Villa Rosiche" in Sofia makes Elderberry syrup. I have the relevant grandmother experience and can tell you this bar deserves to call things 'homemade'.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Jun 5, 2025

Dream House

A vegetarian's dream come true

"Dream House" is not the only veggie restaurant in Sofia, but it's probably the oldest. The food there is very cheap and incredibly delicious!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Jun 5, 2025

Sense Rooftop Bar

High class view

"Sense Rooftop Bar" is a rooftop bar on one of Sofia's most posh and expensive hotels. I recommend you check it out earlier in the evening...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Jun 5, 2025

Archaeological Museum

A time machine

The Sofia "Archaeological Museum" has the biggest gold treasure ever found by Bulgarian archaeologist. I like that everything is labelled in English...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Jun 5, 2025

Heading to Sofia?

128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Sofia?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

128 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Sofia

Get to know our other Spotters from Sofia

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7292
Filters