Church St. George Rotunda, also known as the Round Church, is a charming and historic gem located in Sofia. This ancient church features stunning architecture that adds to its beauty and allure. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes from multiple centuries, making it a truly captivating experience. Despite its small size, the church offers a serene and cozy atmosphere that allows visitors to escape the bustling city and find peace through prayer and meditation. It is worth noting that photography is not allowed inside the church. As the oldest church in Sofia, it holds great cultural significance and provides detailed insights into the city's history. Additionally, the church boasts a crypt, where visitors can learn more about Sofia's past through informative television displays. Surrounded by taller and newer government buildings, St. George Rotunda Church stands out as one of Sofia's most remarkable structures. Originally built as a Roman Bath in the 4th century, it has gone through various transformations and was eventually reconsecrated as an Orthodox Church. The beautiful frescoes inside were painted over during the Ottoman rule but were rediscovered and restored in the 20th century. As you wander around the church, you can also explore the remnants of the old Roman city, providing a deeper sense of the historical significance of the area. Entrance to the church is free, making it an accessible attraction for all. Visitors highly recommend experiencing the breathtaking frescoes in person, as they cannot be captured in photographs. The church is hidden within another building, but it is easily found. Nearby, there is a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal while admiring the church. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the church adds to the overall experience, making it a must-visit destination in Sofia. However, it is important to note that photography is not allowed inside the church, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the frescoes. Overall, Church St. George Rotunda is a historical treasure that offers a glimpse into the rich past of Sofia and provides a serene and captivating space for all to enjoy.
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21.07.23
Toader
Visited the Round Church in Sofia and I must say, it's a charming little gem with a rich history. The ancient architecture adds to its beauty, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring this lovely, cozy church. Highly recommended
10.06.23
Chris
Beautiful frescoes from multiple centuries. Oldest church in Sofia. The Russians thought they could hide it with massive structures around it.
22.03.23
W
Beautiful serene space. Small with amazing paintings on the ceiling. Stop, pray, meditate in this ancient place, away from the bustling city. No photography is allowed inside the rotunda church.
12.02.23
GooOoNnN
One of the best cultural Churches in sofia, Has details about a lot of the history, and also has a crypt. In the crypt it's dark and has tvs to explain and tell about the history of Sofia. It's a very very nice place to visit especially for.. Read more » tourists.
26.11.22
Jessy
The most surreal building I’ve been to in Sofia. Built in 4th century during Roman empire. Amazing one and worth it to visit!
01.11.22
Ivana
Very nice old small church. Frescoes are old and therefore more interesting and valuable. I love the fact this church, as most of the others, are still working (if you are not a morning person, you can come to evening liturgy - 5PM).
18.10.22
Georges
Surrounded by much taller and much newer government buildings, St. George Rotunda Church is one of the most remarkable structures in Sofia. Originally built as a Roman Bath in the 4th century, this red brick building was converted into a church, beca.. Read more »me a mosque during the rule of the Ottomans and was reconsecrated as an Orthodox Church when Bulgaria regained its independence. There are beautiful frescoes inside. They had been painted over by the Ottomans and rediscovered and restored in the 20th century. Behind and around the building, there are remains of the old Roman city. Walk around to get a sense of the history of the place and for beautiful perspectives of the church.
13.09.22
Hatulitos
The entrance is free, Beautiful old church, Is hidden inside a another building but still easy to find, Outside this building I had to opportunity to see how the guards change shift.
10.08.22
Ally
Super awesome place and gorgeous fresco inside! It does not cost any money to visit and I highly recommend that you do so. It’s beautifully situated inside the walls of government buildings I believe? There is even a restaurant close to the rot.. Read more »unda if you’re looking for a bite to eat while looking at the church. The ladies inside the church were extremely friendly and welcoming. No photos are allowed inside of the church and so you must go see the fresco in person.
01.07.22
mihaela
An old and historical place. Pictures are not allowed. Very nice outside
18.05.22
Avihay
The st. George Rotunda church is an antique red brick rotunda in Sofia, with cylindrical domed structure built on a square base. It was built in the early 4th century as Roman baths, then became a church inside the walls of Serdica, capital.. Read more » of ancient Dacia Mediterranea during the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire. The Early Christian church is considered the oldest building in modern Sofia and belongs to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The entrance to st. George Rotunda church is from the short cars access road that is to-the-left of the honor guard of the Presidential building.
06.05.22
alfahad91
Small but certainly worth a quick visit if you’re around.
10.04.22
Ivan
Full traditional orthodox cervices with good spiritual priest. The oldest temple with rich history.
09.04.22
Liz
The towns oldest preserve building. Fascinating to go inside and take a look and free to see. One to add to the list on Sofia, however you won't need much time here as it's small. So easy to fit in.
20.03.22
Balazs
Hidden treasure this building middle of block. I not go inside because many medicants in front of the building so is frustrating.
18.01.22
N
Sofia's oldest active orthodox church - the town's oldest preserved building actually. A quiet, tranquil spot in the heart of an overpopulated city.
27.12.21
Bhavesh
Beautiful colosal old building from the fourth century hidden between presidency and Sheraton hotel.
26.12.21
gabriela
The Church of St George (or Ротонда „Свети Георги“ – Rotonda ‘Sveti Georgi’ in Bulgarian) is a red brick rotunda that is thought to be the oldest building in Sofia. The Early Christian church stands among the ruins of Ro.. Read more »man buildings, including public buildings with hypocaust floors and a basilica, as well as a street.
Besides the excellent architectural preservation, the church is particularly well-known for the magnificent frescoes inside the central dome. In all there are five layers of frescoes, the earliest dating back to the 6th century – the latest as old as the 14th century.
Initially built during the 4th century, on what is believed to have been the site of a pagan temple, the history of the church reflects the changing politics of the Balkan peninsular. Around 313 AD the Rotunda became a baptistery to handle the mass conversions to Christianity following the Edict of Milan and the legal status then afforded Christians in the Roman Empire. During the 6th century the baptistery was converted into a church, and it was then that the first frescoes were painted.
Sometime in the 16th century the church was converted into a Mosque, during Ottoman rule in Bulgaria. After Ottomans the building was all but ignored until the death of Alexander of Battenberg in 1893 when it was used as his temporary mausoleum. The first restoration work started in 1915: the minaret was destroyed, the interior plaster used to cover the Medieval frescoes was removed and the paintings cleaned. Weekday services were then resumed and are still performed today.
The ruins behind the Church of St George were once part of Serdica, Roman Sofia. Here in the courtyard you can see the remains of a basilica, various public buildings – one of which had a typical hypocaust floor.
16.11.21
Eve
Built in the 4th century AD, this tiny red-brick church is Sofia's oldest preserved building. The murals inside were painted between the 10th and 14th centuries.
02.11.21
Bojan
Amazing hidden gem in the center of Sofia. Interior amazing.
20.10.21
Stas
Must have to visit. Old and calm. No tourists.
15.10.21
Rocio
A must see in the city, full of history and paintings. It’s hidden inside the presidential buildings.
05.10.21
Lilia
Great selection of orthodox icons and books. The Divine Liturgy is served daily. A must-see in the centre of Sofia.
11.09.21
Seda
The oldest still functioning church in Sofia. Really small but frescoes are fairly well preserved. You can’t take any photo inside, but the outside is also great. The yard hosts the remains of Serdica. I’d recommend.
04.07.21
Anders
Ancient church. Worth a visit
29.05.21
Bingle
A lovely sight with great history!
23.04.21
Miro
Most beautiful ancient church in Sofia
13.02.21
Svetlio
From 4 th century...it's amazing!!!
09.11.20
Lora
Oldest building in Bulgaria. A round church - not a typical one for the country. It is under constant refurbishment- so beware where you walk. There is always a beggar or 2 waiting just outside the main entrance which might feel quite intimidating fo.. Read more »r people visiting the country for the first time. Worth the visit though. Free of charge - but you can buy candles and light then up.
04.11.20
Hassan
The Church of Saint George (Bulgarian: Ротонда „Свети Георги“, romanized: Rotonda "Sveti Georgi") is a Late Antique red brick rotunda in Sofia, Bulgaria. Built in the early 4th century as Roman baths, it became a church inside t.. Read more »he walls of Serdica, capital of ancient Dacia Mediterranea during the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire.[1] The Early Christian church is considered the oldest building in modern Sofia and belongs to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The building, a cylindrical domed structure built on a square base, is famous for the 12th-, 13th-, and 14th-century frescoes inside the central dome. Three layers of frescoes have been discovered, the earliest dating back to the 10th century. Magnificent frescoes of 22 prophets over 2 metres tall crown the dome. Painted over during the Ottoman period, when the building was used as a mosque, these frescoes were only uncovered and restored in the 20th century.
24.10.20
Ognian
This is the oldest building in the city, preserved from the time of the Roman Empire. I think it was built in the 4th century, and inside there is a very interesting and partially preserved mural of the dome from about 12-14 century. There are other .. Read more »archeological finds around the church.
22.08.20
Anya
My favorite holy place in Sofia. This church has a very special unique charm looking very authentic and spreading peaceful atmosphere all around...
17.08.20
Marina
Maybe you walk past it every day, it takes 15 minutes to see this great example of a rotunda.
03.01.20
Михайло
Beautiful ancient church surrounded by remains of old city from Byzantium times. Definitely worth to visit. The church is situated in the courtyard of presidential residency and Balkan hotel and requires some efforts to find
12.10.19
Cindy
Seeing many great attractions in Sofia, giving me the feeling of coming back to old age. This Church just one of many places that you will simply amazed with how rich not only by history but also their architecture. You can see from thus church how o.. Read more »ld it can be, how much history it has. Definitely a must see when you’re in Sofia.
24.08.19
Claudiu
Impressive construction, allegedly the oldest surviving in the city, right next to a few of the ruins of the old city of Serdica. It is less impressive on the interior as much of the fresco work has been destroyed. Entrance is free but photos are not.. Read more » allowed. To be honest there isn't even that much to photograph inside other than the overloaded souvenirs shop which takes away a lot of the magnificence of the church. Really sad they did this, I would gladly pay even a large fee to see the church for what it is than to see so much kitsch in a holy place
4.8 / 94
