South West Bulgaria
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

In 2004 during excavations for the 5* Arena di Serdica Hotel builders came across a Roman wall. Following archaeological excavations, these remains turned out to be those of the amphitheatre built just outside the walls of the Roman city of Serdica. Coins discovered suggest that the structure was built in the 3rd or 4th century CE. And, beneath the amphitheatre are the remains of a 2nd century theatre. Remains of the amphitheatre have been restored for guests and visitors alike.

The red-brick Church of St George Rotunda is the oldest building in Sofia, having being built in the 4th century CE. The church can be found in the courtyard behind the Bulgarian Presidency, set amongst the Roman ruins of the ancient city of Serdica. Besides the age, the church is well known for its remarkable frescoes – some of which are from the 6th century, but most from the 14th century. Although a functioning church with daily services, it is open to tourists.

The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila is the largest and most well known of all the Eastern Orthodox Monasteries in Bulgaria. The monastery is believed to have been founded in the 10th century by a hermit called St. Ivan of Rila who lived in a nearby cave. Today the monastery is one of the most important cultural and architectural monuments in Bulgaria, attracting over a million visitors each year. In 1983 Rila monastery was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

During building work for a new metro station in the city centre, the remains of the ancient city of Serdica were discovered. These were then excavated by archaeologists and preserved in situ. On the Metro’s platform displays provide an introduction to Sofia’s prehistoric and ancient past, while the Roman remains outside the station show the remains of some of the buildings that would have lined the Cardo Maximus: the main street that connected the North and South Gates.