Slaveikov Square
The largest open-air book market in Sofia is to be found in Slaveikov Square,
in front of the City Library. Recently the old three-tier bronze fountain was
restored. In the spring of the year 2000 an original monument was created to
commemorate two of the most prominent Bulgarian writers, poets and public figures,
father and son Petko and Pencho Slaveikov, after whom the square was named.
Visitors can sit for a while on the bench near them and have their photo taken
as a keepsake.
Central Hali Shopping Centre
The three storey building of the Central Hali Shopping Centre houses a variety
of shops, boutiques, one big restaurant, one bar, a food court for eight fast
food chains, a storage area with freezers and dry storage compartments, and
even an exchange bureau. Taking its name from the famed Les Halles in Paris,
this prominent building was constructed during 1909-11 to serve as the city’s
main marketplace. In the early days only men shopped here a, single woman would
give money to a neighbour’s boy to go in her stead. Renovated in 1974
as a supermarket, it fell into disuse after 1989. Large-scale refurbishment
began in spring 1999. The ornate facade - which incorporates Byzantine and medieval
Bulgarian architectural elements - has alternating layers of stone and brick,
large window niches and a high central arch above which is the city coat of
arms topped by a small clock tower. Long before the Hali was built, archaeological
excavations show that the site served as a gathering and market place dating
back thousands of years. In the basement are archaeological remains, including
Roman baths and parts of Serdica’s fortress wall. Reopened in the summer
of 2000, the Hali has assumed its rightful place as the city’s central
marketplace.
Vitosha Mountain
Most of Sofia’s streets are dominated by the view of Vitosha Mountain,
a huge granite mass with wooded lower slopes. It is treated by the people of
Sofia as part of the capital, indeed it can be reached quickly either by car
or public transport. There are marked trails for walkers, who can admire wild
flowers or an unusual natural phenomenon, the moraine - an apparently dry river
made up of massive boulders. Some people bring picnics, but there are also several
good hotels and restaurants, and many chalets. There are also good conditions
for skiers - from December to late spring.
Boyana Church
Boyana, the beautiful suburb at the foot of Vitosha, is notable for the Boyana
Church (included in the UNESCO World Heritage List). Frescoes are claimed to
be among the oldest and most interesting examples of East European medieval
art. The oldest part of the church dates back to the early 11th century. The
most attractive part of the monument are the murals done in 1259. The frescoes
are rich in tone. The artist skilfully combines the requirements of iconographical
canons with real life. 89 scenes are depicted, containing 240 human images.
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