TheSaint Sofia Monument rises up from a tall plinth in the middle of a busyintersection in central Sofia. Pause to admire this elegant monument, whichpays homage to Sofia’s patron saint. Wander through the statue’s surrounding streetsto discover national monuments, architectural masterpieces, museums andpicturesque parks.
Erectedin 2001, the Saint Sofia Monument stands on the same spot as a former monumentto Vladimir Lenin. Gaze up at the 26-feet (8-meter) tall bronze and copperstatue, sculpted by the artist Georgi Chapkanov. The monument is perched on a 52-foot(16-meter) high pedestal. Look for the crown, laurel wreath and owl, whichsymbolize power, fame and wisdom, respectively. Note the intricate detail ofthe statue’s robe and how the saint’s clothing appears to be blowing in thewind.
Situatedin the heart of Sofia’s city center, the Saint Sofia Monument is a short walkfrom major city attractions and is a good starting point for a self-guided tourof Sofia. The monument is easily reachable via public bus, trolleybus and metro.If arriving by car then metered parking is available opposite the monument.
Walkto the Presidency building to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Enter acourtyard via an arched walkway at the side of the building to see the4th-century Church of St. George, one of Sofia’s oldest-surviving buildings. Strollalong Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, which passes Prince Alexander BattenbergSquare. Spot over 50,000 works of art at the National Art Gallery and visit theNational Museum of Natural History. Continue to Alexander Nevsky Square andmarvel at the architecturally impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
