St. Sophia Church is an ancient and beautiful church located in Bulgaria. It is known as the most ancient church in the country and is built over Roman burials and a temple. The church offers the option to buy tickets to explore the tombs located below. The crypts are larger than expected and filled with tombs and graves, making it a fascinating sight for those interested in history. However, there are many stairs and limited accessibility for those with mobility issues. The church itself is less ornate compared to others, but the high open red brick ceiling is quite impressive. The highlight of the visit is the mosaic towards the end of the walk, along with the informative video that provides insights into the church's evolution. However, some visitors felt underwhelmed by the lack of bone displays and the removal of artifacts to a museum, wishing they were kept in their original context. Additionally, it would be beneficial to have more pictures and descriptions explaining the history and challenges encountered during the excavation. Overall, St. Sophia Church is a beautiful and historically significant site worth visiting, especially for those interested in history and archaeology.
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31.05.23
Magzhan
The ancient church, very beautiful. I recommend to buy 5 BGN tickets to go down the tombs.
16.03.23
Vishesh
Didn't but read its history on the board. The church is build over roman burials and temple. Its the most ancient church in Bulgaria
12.01.23
Philippe
Visiting St Sofia was underwhelming at first but it got much better when visiting the crypt. The access is not made for people having difficulties walking as there is a lot of stairs and the roof might be low on some areas. The video teaching us on t.. Read more »he evolution of the church construction was quite interesting to put in perspective what you can see. I wished they had put that video closer to the entrance rather than quasi at the end of the path. Also there was no space for people to sit and watch the video so, really, it better be placed somewhere else.
There are nice mosaics towards the end of the walk, after passing many tombs with flat and arched tops giving an indication of when they were built (together with find artefacts not displayed anymore). While in some churches in other countries the bones are visible, there everything is removed... Which rather remove curiosity and amazement from the tourist. Everything is apparently put in a museum... While it would have been so much nicer to keep findings in their original context.
The place could also benefit from me pictures and descriptions of how it was looking at the time of the discovery, the intention for digging, the challenges encountered, etc. Build a story while walking through the history of the crypt.
25.12.22
Cemetery
I visited the crypts on Wednesday 4 January 2023 and the entrance was free.
The crypts were much larger than I expected and full of tombs and graves which was what I wanted to see. There is also a quite good mosaic, which I think is why other people.. Read more » visit and worth a look.
The church above is less ornate than others but it's high open red brick ceiling is quite nice
There are lots of stairs and currently you need to go back through the same path to exit, so if you have mobility issues it might be difficult.
I took photos, but for whatever reason I think videos are forbidden.
09.12.22
kritikos
Very beautiful building. Great architecture and color scheme. Even if not planning to go inside, should at least walk past to admire it.
15.10.22
Andrea
The Basilica of St. Sophia was build at the end of the 5th - the beginning of the 6th century A. D. within the boundaries of the eastern necropolis of the old capital of Bulgaria, Serdica.
13.09.22
Hatulitos
The best of Sofia is most of their Church's are for free, this one is not an exception, I gave only 3 stars because I wanted to visit the catacombs but they are now under renovation the same with the central Market, sadly there is no information.. Read more » about it on the internet.
01.09.22
Istvàn
St. Sofia church built in the XIVth century, gave the name of the actual city of Sofia.
A marvel of the old churches, with a beautiful acoustic.
15.08.22
Silva
If you are interested in history then I would recommend. Otherwise recommended place to visit if you have time, but nothing very sepcial in my opinion.
08.07.22
Hans
The tomb of Honorius is closed for renovations, but we toured the rest of the archaeological complex under the church. Watch the introductory video as that will do you how the building changed over the centuries. Some decent early Christian mosaics.. Read more » and frescoes.
28.06.22
Amanda
The church has been mostly rebuilt in modern times, but the necropolis from Roman times are fascinating. The lady on the desk Elisabetta was very helpful at explaining the site and there is a short video which explains the site. You can see the mosai.. Read more »cs of the very first church which was tiny...
10.05.22
Neno
The oldest church, you know? Basilica is incredible, but it is not like museum as priests are on duty, there is women choir singing on special occasions/ceremonies/rituals.
20.03.22
Balazs
Close the city center, vary nice old church building. Door is very small so careful. Quiet and beautiful place.
15.03.22
Elena
The crypt below the church is very interesting, especially the mosaic floors. It seemed a bit dusty, and we couldn't go out using the normal exit; we had to go back all the way to the entrance (we had been advised of it when we entered though). .. Read more »The visit was free.
01.10.21
John
Glad they were able to restore it. Remarkable, simple, peaceful church with a cool crypt below the church. 6 leva to enter.
10.09.21
Seda
The church itself is ordinary inside, but the crypts were interesting, with an entrance fee. There’re tombs and older remains of the original church. There are few mosaics, tiles and wall paintings.
22.08.21
Hari
Great and amazing exhibits in the crypt down. Mosaics are unique. Don't miss it. Opened every day at 10.00 am till 5.00 pm. Entrance fee 6.00 BGN.
10.08.21
George
Do not stop under any circumstances by car in the downtown area !!! Those in the parking lots lock the wheels, if they see that the car does not have a Bulgarian registration number, even if you pay the parking fee to pay even more the 30Leva wheel u.. Read more »nlocking fee, because they know they don't get along with tourists. (They do not speak English at all, neither the parking lot employees, nor the police) It is a fraud with the consent of the police and those in the area, because they continue to do so even though everyone knows, including the police who do not help you and are indifferent. DO NOT GO THERE, JUST TRANSIT THE AREA!
02.08.21
Ron
Nice but not impressive church. Loved the singing of the choir best.
30.07.21
Yordan
So much faith and history in one place. Magical, calm, very spiritual!
06.05.21
Alexandra
Very nice and interesting place, I strongly recommend to look not it inside and on the ground floor also where you can see parts of ancient city. To go into this historical floor garden you can inside the church.
05.04.21
Ward
Amazing history, don't miss out on the church below the church!
09.03.21
Lex
While the church itself is no wonder that will not let you fall asleep for the days to come, it was built on the remains of much older roman basilica. And if you are willing to pay 6 BGN, you can visit theser remains buried deep under the church in i.. Read more »ts catacombs. Feel free to examine ancient frescoes and mosaics.
22.02.21
Silver
Nice place. The museum is interesting and gives an idea how the city Sofia and its name emerged.
17.01.21
Ilian
The biggest church on Balkan Peninsula. Live choir every Saturday and Sunday and all Christian holidays!
21.12.20
Sergey
Definitely devote 20 minutes to check out this ancient basilica.
29.11.20
Gogo
One of the biggest oldest and most famos churches in Sofia.
13.10.20
Александър
Amazing old church. One of the oldest in the world.
06.09.20
Emil
S?fia's most beautiful church for me! Doesn't matter St. Alexandar Nevski is neardy.
26.08.20
vladimir
This great church from the 4-th century, one of the very earliest in the Christian World, was so famous that peaple used it as name of the city of Serdica. This city today is the capital of Bulgaria - Sofia.
22.08.20
Charlotte
Pay the ticket to the crypt/museum where you can see the old tombs and frescoes
17.07.20
Svetlana
Very beautiful church. It is also big. I have been on two weddings there. There was a chorus. It is incredible to hear them singing in the church.
03.01.20
Михайло
Outstanding Orthodox church which feels very authentic. You won't find there lavishly decorations - just simple brick walls and icons. Also, they have a crypt below which definitely worth attending. Note that last visitors are allowed by 17:00
12.10.19
Cindy
It’s also within the centre area of Sofia, with another great history, architecture and solemn feeling when visiting this Church. In Centre of Sofia, you’ll see numbers of church, cathedral within walking distance which you shouldn’.. Read more »t miss. On this one, I managed to take photos - I know it might not be polite to do it but please forgive me doing it as I’m just amazed with its beauty. The simplicity outside doesn’t justify the greatness inside - so you definitely have to visit this place when you’re in Sofia.
4.6 / 68
