The Ivan Vazov National Theater is a stunning and impressive building located in Sofia, Bulgaria. It is known for its beautiful architecture and is considered one of the biggest landmarks in the city. The theater is surrounded by a charming park with fountains, making it a picturesque destination.
Inside, the theater is just as magnificent, with well-equipped stages and seating areas. The main stage can accommodate up to 750 people, while there are also smaller stages for more intimate performances. The theater has hosted productions from renowned directors, showcasing the talent and professionalism of its actors.
Visitors not only come to the theater for its performances, but also for the lively atmosphere in the square in front of the building. Throughout the year, the square hosts various events, including festivals, exhibitions, and art installations, attracting people from all walks of life.
There is also a restaurant inside the theater, offering delicious food and a great view of the surroundings. It provides a perfect setting for a pre or post-show meal.
The Ivan Vazov National Theater is not only a cultural institution, but also a place where people gather and connect. It is a must-visit destination in Sofia, loved by both locals and tourists alike. Whether you are a theater enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture and vibrant public spaces, this theater has something for everyone.
Address:
ulitsa "Dyakon Ignatiy" 5, Sofia
Phone:
+359 2 811 9227
Comment
16.08.23
CK
Beautiful impressive building, National Theatre of Sofia. There is a nice park outside with fountain and the works.
07.06.23
Uliana
Charming building. There is a beautiful square with fountains in front of it. Absolutely worth visiting. One of my favourite places in Sofia.
02.06.23
Rahela
I don't know what I like best: the park in front of the theatre, the architecture of the building or the interiors. I wish I had the opportunity to watch a play there.
Also, the restaurant inside the theatre has great food and view.
01.06.23
Veronika
Really good theatre with amazing actors, super beautiful building and architecture.It has also beautiful park which is nice place for walks, relaxing and meetings.
People go there for so many reasons, not only for the theatre itself, but because at.. Read more » the square in front of the the building there are a lot of cool events in the summer and not only, and people love to meet and gather there. I love it and everyone who visits Sofia should go see it and experience it. ❤️❤️❤️
22.04.23
eleni
Very beautiful building in a very beautiful place! We couldn’t make it inside but I would really love to visit it one day!
18.02.23
Pedro
The National Theatre of Sofia. A labyrinthine fortress of gold and lowly seats. I, a towering figure, entered its gates with trepidation, wondering if I would fit within its cramped walls. Alas, my fears were realized as my elongated frame struggled .. Read more »to find purchase in the minuscule space allotted to me.
But what of the theatre itself? A marvel of architecture, a monument to man's vanity, gleaming with opulence and grandeur. The walls adorned with gold, a vulgar display of wealth and power. The stage, a shadowy realm of illusions and deceit, where actors strut and preen like peacocks, pretending to be something they're not.
And yet, despite its beauty, there is something ominous lurking within these walls. A sense of unease, a feeling that all is not as it seems. Is it the low seats, pressing down on my spine like a weight of guilt? Or the claustrophobic confines of the theatre, trapping me in its embrace like a spider in its web?
Perhaps it is the dark humor that pervades every inch of this place. A laughter that echoes like the cackling of madmen, mocking our very existence. Or the irony that the very beauty of this theatre masks a darker reality, one that we dare not confront.
In the end, the National Theatre of Sofia is a place of contradictions, a palace of light and shadow, beauty and horror. A place where we confront our deepest fears and desires, where we are forced to confront the absurdity of our existence. So go forth, brave traveler, and enter its gates at your own peril
21.11.22
Milena
Monumental building of National Theater. Its the oldest theater in Bulgaria and the biggest. One of the biggest landmarks of Sofia. The Ivan Vazov National Theatre has a well-equipped main stage with 750 seats, a smaller 120-seat stage and an additio.. Read more »nal 70-seat one on the fourth floor.
The building's facade is depicted on the obverse of the Bulgarian 50 levs banknote, issued in 1999 and 2006.
The theatre has been host to productions from notable theatre directors such as Alexander Morfov who has been the Chief director since 1993.
02.10.22
Georges
The Ivan Vazov National Theater sits on one of the most beautiful public spaces in Sofia. It's a grand neo-classical building from the early part of the twentieth century, which was inaugurated in 1907. Many locals just visit for the photo op. D.. Read more »on't miss yours!
19.08.22
Monika
Building is plain gorgeous both outside and inside. The garden in front of it is also so pleasant - favourite place of Sofia young people. A lot of events - festivals, exhibitions, temporary art installations take place there. It's in the ideal .. Read more »center of the city next to many other sites, restaurants and bars.
But the best thing and most important for this theater is that wonderful actors play there. Plays and their acting are really awesome - so professional, so beautiful! I love going there and warmly recommend. The purest and most correct Bulgarian language can be heard there.
Bulgarian movies might not be very famous, but theater actors definitely deserve to be.
08.08.22
Orestis
It is a building with an impressive facade next to the City Garden park, which is buzzing with life.
03.06.22
Veronika
Really good theatre with amazing actors, super beautiful building and architecture.It has also beautiful park which is nice place for walks, relaxing and meetings.
People go there for so many reasons, not only for the theatre itself, but because at.. Read more » the square in front of the the building there are a lot of cool events in the summer and not only, and people love to meet and gather there. I love it and everyone who visits Sofia should go see it and experience it. ❤️
18.05.22
Avihay
The theater is named after the important Bulgarian writer and poet, and is the main theater in the country. It was founded in 1904 and presents its plays in Sofia only. The neoclassical building caught fire in 1923 and was bombed during World War II.. Read more », so extensive parts of it underwent renovations. Yet, the theater building is considered one of the most beautiful in the city.
There is no cafe or restaurant in it, and it is adjacent to Sofia's city garden.
05.05.22
Martin
One the most beautiful buildings in Bulgaria and in the same time a place for culture and something more. Located in the heart of Sofia, surrounded by beautiful park and place you can sit and enjoy coffee, breakfast and etc.
26.04.22
Lilia
Love the National theatre. It is always a fantastic experience seeing a play there!
26.03.22
Todor
The best theater in Bulgaria! Highly recommend to anyone who wants to see quality performance.
17.02.22
Mariya
Gorgeous building and excellent performances and service. Had a fantastic time!
06.11.21
Petya
Old beautiful theatre! Very nice architecture of the outside. If you know the language, I recommend going there for a play, nice experience!
11.10.21
The
One of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in Sofia. Really worth to see it.
04.08.21
Калоян
Great theatre with a beautiful scene, great actors and well executed and variety of genres
02.08.21
D
The area in front of the theater is great place to visit and hang out.
19.05.21
Nadya
Every time I go to see a play in the Nat. theatre it feels like time travelling. Makes me think about the everlasting transcendant values. A bridge between the generations past and the ones to come.
09.05.21
Tanya
The theater is a beautiful building in the heart of Sofia, so is the garden around and the fountain.
18.04.21
Evgeniya
Some performances are not good enough. But the actors are awesome.
15.04.21
Vess
Absolutely amazing! I have seen a number of performances at this iconic theater. The building itself is a work of art and architectural genius. Now, when it comes to the performances - you get the very best of Bulgarian theater. Pro tip: Plan your vi.. Read more »sit and buy tickets on advance. Also, there is a restaurant at the top of the building, I had lunch there and it was excellent. Visit to the National Theater is a must for everyone who wishes to experience Bulgarian culture.
31.01.21
Nesrin
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre (Bulgarian: Народен театър „Иван Вазов“, Naroden teatar „Ivan Vazov“) is Bulgaria's national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the impo.. Read more »rtant landmarks of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden.
A postcard before 1926 with some of the leading actors in the Theater. Source: Bulgarian Archives State Agency
Founded in 1904 by the artists from the Salza i Smyah company, it was initially called simply the National Theatre, but before being named after the prominent writer Ivan Vazov it also bore the name of Krastyu Sarafov between 1952 and 1962. Incidentally Vazov's play, "The Outcasts" was the first to be performed at the theatre when it opened. The theatre's Neoclassical building, designed by famous Viennese theatre architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner, was finished in 1906 and opened on 3 January 1907. The building was extensively damaged by a fire in 1923 during an anniversary celebration, but was reconstructed in 1929 by German architect Martin Dülfer.
19.12.20
Nick
The staff tries their best but it is rotten in the head(the management) - just like in every government department in Bulgaria, only domestic bank cards are accepted. A killjoy.
09.11.20
Kharmencita
NATIONAL THEATER "IVAN VAZOV"- Another beautiful architectural Building erected just within a big Park where people and families come to stroll or group together for bonding, relax, play games or enjoy drinking a cup of coffee or setting .. Read more »in snack bars/ bistros. In front of the Theater is a playful dancing fountain that functions in summer seasons.
05.10.20
Rodrigo
love this place, makes city garden look real nice! great spot to come chill at night
22.09.20
André
Beautiful building with a fountain and a little park just in front. It is worth a visit when in Sofia.
07.09.20
Boril
Rhe most famous teather in Bulgaria with emblematic architecture
01.09.20
Pavel
Because it is The National Theatre.
26.08.20
Martin
A lot of acts per months, good actors. The design if the building is very good presenting the 19th cent style
23.08.20
Vinh
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre (Bulgarian: Народен театър „Иван Вазов“, Naroden teatar „Ivan Vazov“) is Bulgaria's national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the impo.. Read more »rtant landmarks of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden.
Excerpt from Wikipedia
11.06.20
DP
I've seen Rome, Paris, Berlin, Milano, Barcelona....but the National Theater in Sofa is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
4.7 / 70
