Welcome to
Sofia
Hidden Sofia: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
- Duration1h 30m
- Max Travelers15 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryAudio Guides, Historical Tours
Overview
Sofia is one of Europe’s most surprising capitals, with seven thousand years of history hidden in plain sight.
On this self-guided audio walk, I’ll also show you treasures that reveal how Bulgaria’s capital has reinvented itself through the eras. You’ll also discover how the city’s unique lack of a distinct Old Town creates a compact territory where ancient Serdica meets modern Sofia.
The tour starts on St. Nedelya Square, from where you’ll weave through vibrant boulevards and tucked-away courtyards. You’ll walk through peaceful parks and descend into underground archaeological complexes to walk Roman streets.
You’ll also hear how communist symbols were transformed into democratic spaces, and Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau, and Modernism found their way into the city’s architecture.
By the end of this tour, you’ll have a greater understanding of how Sofia’s absence of an Old Town has created one of Europe’s most fascinating archaeological centres.
Gallery
What's included
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when youu2019re in the right place, the tour will start
What's Not included
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation
Itinerary
The tour starts on St. Nedelya Square, above the ancient Roman forum of Serdica, from where youu2019ll weave through vibrant boulevards and tucked-away courtyards.
Explore the Square of Tolerance, home to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelia, the Catholic Cathedral of Sofia St Joseph Parish, the Central Synagogue, and the Central Mosque
On this tour, you'll pass by the Regional History Museum of Sofia. Along the way, youu2019ll learn about Bulgariau2019s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.
Stroll through Roman Serdica, where Emperor Constantine declared u201dSerdica is my Romeu201d u2013 before choosing Constantinople instead
Visit the 4th-century St. Georgi Rotunda Church, Sofiau2019s oldest building thatu2019s served various purposes throughout the years
Take in the Banya Bashi Mosque, the only active mosque in Sofia
Explore the Square of Tolerance, home to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelia, the Catholic Cathedral of Sofia St Joseph Parish, the Central Synagogue, and the Central Mosque
Explore the Square of Tolerance, home to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelia, the Catholic Cathedral of Sofia St Joseph Parish, the Central Synagogue, and the Central Mosque
Stand in the former Presidential Palace of the Republic of Bulgaria, where Tsar Boris III died mysteriously after meeting Hitler in 1943
Youu2019ll walk through peaceful parks where locals meet for chess and morning coffee, and descend into underground archaeological complexes to walk Roman streets.
On this tour, you'll pass by the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Along the way, youu2019ll learn about Bulgariau2019s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.
On this tour, you'll pass by the Tsar Samuil Monument. Along the way, youu2019ll learn about Bulgariau2019s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.
On this tour, you'll pass by the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Along the way, youu2019ll learn about Bulgariau2019s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.
The tour finishes at the Patriarchal Cathedral St Alexander Nevsky, whose golden domes are a reminder of Bulgariau2019s Orthodox identity, but also honor Russian liberators.
Good to know
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.