exhibitions / Изложения January - June 2018 Hello Winter Story Health and Sport FeStival Здраве и спорт 20 - 21.01. International Tourist Fair Holiday & SPa exPo Международна туристическа борса 14 - 16.02. luxury WeddingS Wedding and events Industry exPo Сватбена и събитийна индустрия 23 - 25.02. Building Building Materials and Machines Week Строителни материали и машини 07 - 10.03. Safety&Security Security exPo Цялостни решения за сигурност и безопасност 07 - 10.03. grand cHocolate Chocolate and Chocolate Products FeStival Шоколад и шоколадови продукти 10 - 11.03.

BeBemania – Baby and kids Products SHoPPing Всичко за бъдещите и настоящи родители 16 - 18.03. volkSWagen cluB event for the Fans of the Brand FeSt Събитие за феновете на марката 17 - 18.03. Machinery, Industrial equipment and Innovative macHtecH & Technologies innotecH exPo Индустриални машини, оборудване 26- 29.03. и иновационни технологии Water and Water Management Water Води и воден мениджмънт 27 - 29.03. Woodworking and Furniture Industry tecHnomeBel Дървообработваща и мебелна промишленост 24 - 28.04.

World oF Furniture, Interior textile and home accessories Обзавеждане, интериорен текстил 24 - 28.04. Furniture и аксесоари за дома Bulmedica / Medical and Dental Industry Buldental Медицина 16 - 18.05. September - December 2018 Hunting, FiSHing, Hunting and Sport Weapons, Fishing Accessories, Sport Ловни и с портни оръжия, риболовни 27 - 30.09. SPort принадлежности, спорт Communication Art, Print, Image, Sign coPi’S Рекламни и печатни комуникации 02 - 04.10. Aesthetics, Cosmetics, SPA, Health, Hair, arena oF Beauty Nail, Mackeup 05 - 07.10. Форум за здраве, красота и естетика Baby and kids Products BeBemania Всичко за бъдещите и настоящи родители 19 - 21.10. Hotel and Restaurant equipment SiHre Хотелско и ресторантско оборудване 07 - 10.11. Meat Industry meatmania Месна промишленост 07 - 10.11. Dairy Industry tHe World oF milk Млекопреработвателна промишленост 07 - 10.11.

Bakery and Confectionery BulPek Хлебопроизводство и сладкарство 07 - 10.11.

Wines and Spirits Salon du vin Вина и спиртни напитки 07 - 10.11. Food Industry interFood & drink Хранително-вкусова промишленост 07 - 10.11. iWc annual cHarity 24th Christmas Charity Bazaar Bazaar 24-и Коледен благотворителен базар 02.12. 4 OVErview Sofia City ® Info Guide Publisher: AMATI BULGARIA Ltd.

14 HEALTH & BEAUTY Design: AMATI BULGARIA Ltd. On the Cover: Lebed Restaurant 16 Accommodation Print: Janet 45 Ltd.

For Advertising, 22 Restaurants Bulk Orders and Subscriptions: (before 10th of the preceding month, please!) 26 niGHT LIFE Cell: 0896 717 225 E-mail: [email protected] facebook.com/cityinfoguides.bulgaria 30 Culture All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be repro- duced in any form or by any means without prior permission. 40 Useful Numbers Monthly circulation: 20 000

Your complimentary copy of the Sofia City®Info Guide is available from hotel rooms, hotel receptions and other public areas at the following top-class Hotels & Services Apartments:

HOTELS êêê OTHERS êêêêê Amfora Hotel Airport Sofia - Terminals 1, 2 Arena di Serdika Arte Hotel Airline Companies Balkan Hotel Sofia Hotel Villa Boyana Business Centres Hilton Hotel Ibis Hotel Rent-a-Car Companies Holiday Inn Sofia Hotel Montecito Hotel Central Bus Station Radisson BLU Meg-Lozenetz Hotel Cultural Institutes Park Hotel Moskva êêêê Casinos Sofia Place Hotel Inter Expo Center BW Hotel Expo Slavyanska Beseda Information Center Sofia BW City Hotel Plus (Largo, Chitalnyata) BW Premier Sofia Galleries Downtown Hotel êê Real Estate Agencies Hill Hotel The House Hotel Top Restaurants & Bars Maria Luisa Hotel Travel Agencies Metropolitan Hotel ê Novotel Sofia Hotel easyHotel Ramada Hotel Madrid Hotel COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC SECTION OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. APARTMENT RENTALS & HOSTELS Apartment House EON Block 531 Vitosha Apartments SUBSCRIPTION Marinella Apartments DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS: Austria, , Canada, Netherlands, USA Bulgaria in Brief 3 4 overview SOFIA ART PLAN THE NEWEST CULTURAL GUIDE During the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union which happens on a rotation base for six months and it is planned in the period of 01st of January until the end of June 2018, Sofia Municipality organizes and supports multiple art and cultural events of a various kinds for the citizens and the guests of the city of Sofia. The delegates and the tourists who are visiting the capital in the months of the Rotating Presidency of Bulgaria will be presented with the possibility to be part of its rich art events life. In regard to the best benefit of the popularization and the better achieved presentation of the initiatives, Sofia Municipality has prepared and published a special ART PLAN that has the main purpose to show to the audience a various art and cultural events during the months of March, April, May and June 2018. The booklet which is published in English will be widely distributed in the existing Information Centers, Hotels, Cultural Institutions and other location that provide various of information while the booklet prepared in two languages – both Bulgarian and English, shall be available online: https://www.sofia.bg/en, https://www.visitsofia.bg/en. overview 5 European Music Festival 2018 The 18th edition of the European Music Festival will present 11 classical music events featuring over 350 performers from Bulgaria and abroad. The programme includes symphony and chamber music, jazz, film scores and children-oriented events. Guest musicians from Italy, Spain, USA, Austria, France, Germany, , etc.

May 7, 17:00 The Largo - Dancing Europe, So a Brass Orchestra, Conductor Yuli Damyanov, dancers of the National Art Ensemble, Zdravets Ensemble and Sredets Folklore Ensemble. Entrance free. May 17, 19:00 Bulgaria Hall, 19:00 – A concert by Yuri Bashmet, viola, and the So a Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Nayden Todorov. In the programme: G. Kancheli, P. Tchaikovsky. Feat. the Svetoslav Obretenov National Philharmonic Choir, conductor Slavil Dimitrov May 18, 19:30 Bulgaria Hall - Italian Wonderbrass (Italy) - Italian canzonetti, opera excerpts, popular classics in brass quintet. May 24, 17:00 The Largo, Golden Feather Awards ceremony and concert. Entrance free. May 30, 19:30 Bulgaria Hall - Cinema Violino - Popular lm music for violin and orchestra, performed by the Classic FM Radio Orchestra, cond. Scott Dunn (USA), soloist Katia Popov, violin. In the programme: music by John Williams, Ennio Morricone, Danny Elfman, John Barry, and Boris Karadimchev. Sofia Music Weeks By maintaining its standards in presenting top-quality performers from all over the world, in 1982 Sofia Music Weeks received international recognition by joining the European Festival Association and ranking among the most prestigious music, theatre and ballet events in Europe.

May 21, 19:00 Grand Hall Bulgaria - Children’s and Youth Orchestra. May 25, 19:00 Bulgaria Chamber Hall, Nikolay Nikolov - viola (Berlin) and Boyan Bachvarov - piano. May 25, 19:00 Bulgaria Chamber Hall, Iva Nikolova - violin and Florian Krumpeck - piano (Austria). May 27, 19:00 Bulgaria Chamber Hall, Piano Concerto by Sergey Redkin (Russia) and Victoria Vassilenko. May 28, 19:00 Bulgaria Hall, Camerata Orphica concert - 70th anniversary of Stefan Dragostinov. May 29, 19:00 Bulgaria Hall, So yski Soloisti Chamber Orchestra, with conductor Plamen Dzhurov. Soloists - Krassimir Shterev - accordion, Georgi Vassilev - guitar. May 30, 19:00 Bulgaria Chamber Hall, Rossen Idealov - clarinet, Georgita Boyadzhieva - violoncello and Alexander Vassilenko – piano. May 31, 19:00 Bulgaria Chamber Hall, String Quartet Frosh 16th In The Palace International Short Film Festival May 26 – June 2

IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival is dedicated to short fillm and digital works with duration up to 27 minutes. It is one of the three oldest film forums of its kind on the Balkan Peninsula. Affirmed international forum for professional short films in South-Eastern Europe. National Palace of Culture, Lumière Cinema, Odeon Cinema, Vlaykova Cinema, experimental free access venues, the Italian Cultural Institute, Institute Cervantes - Sofia, University of Sofia, various schools, etc. For more information www.inthepalace.com 6 overview

bodies of various agencies, political parties and SOFIA CITY REGION public organizations. Sofia accommodates also The capital city of Bulgaria is situated in the the cultural institutions in Bulgaria. geographic center of Southeastern Europe thus It has been given several names in the course of serving as a natural bridge to the Middle East. history. • Serdika was the name of the central dwelling of the ancient Thracian tribe known as “Serdi”. FACT & FIGURES • The toponym Sredets was indicative of its central location on the Balkan Peninsula. When the city became part of the Bulgarian state at the beginning of the ninth century it acquired this Slavic name and it was soon recognized as one of the most important feudal towns. • Sofia – In nowadays the Bulgarian capital carries the name of St. Sofia (the holy Lady of wisdom), inspired by the name of the church St. Sofia. Sofia Municipality 33, Moskovska Str. (map E3) & 02 937 73 03 www.sofia.bg Population: 1 291 591 Area: 1 310, 8 sq. km The city motto: “Growing without aging” GDP: around 29% of the national GDP Sofia is the biggest and the most dynamic center of the economic life in Bulgaria. Half of the foreign direct investments in Bulgaria are concentrated in the capital. One third of the St. Sofia Church annual tax revenues in the national budget come from Sofia. The region occupies the central part of the Sofia Plain (with average altitude of 550 m) CULTURAL HERITAGE and it is encircled by the Balkan Mountains (in The cultural heritage of Sofia combines traces the north) and the Vitosha Mountain and the from the civilizations of the Neolith and the Lyulin Mountain (in the south). The area has an Thracians, of the ancient Greeks and Romans, abundance of curative mineral springs (Gorna of the Slavs and the proto- and the Banya, Ovcha Kupel, Bankya). The Vitosha Ottomans, These tribes and ethnic groups molded Mountain is an international winter sports the face of the city through victories and defeats destination. From ancient times, Sofia was well- and through consequent cultural influence. The known as a spa centre, thanks to its 18 healing socialist realism and the dynamic changes of mineral and thermal springs. Those springs are modernity are still defining the development of depicted on its cote-of-arms and have been Sofia and are also part of its inextinguishable drawing settlers and conquerors from ancient charm. While walking on the streets of Sofia times to these days. today, people can still see the remnants from older civilizations can still be seen. As early as the Neolithic age the territory of the THROUGH THE CENTURIES present-day million city was inhabited by primitive Founded seven thousand years ago, Sofia is the societies. Archaeologists continue to discover second oldest European city. The city situated in implements and tools from the Stone, Copper and the center of Moesia, Thrace and Macedonia has Bronze ages in the city and in its vicinity. been the official center of the Bulgarian nation for There are more than 70 Eastern Orthodox 127 years, since shortly after the liberation of the churches and monasteries, many of which have country it was declared the capital of Bulgaria. become emblematic for the Bulgarian capital. Sofia has been the capital of Bulgaria since April The city center is an eclectic mix of communist 3, 1879. It is the permanent seat of the National era neoclassical and West European architecture, Assembly (the Parliament), the President, the which enchants with its aristocratic atmosphere Council of Ministers, the central governing the Eastern charm. overview 7

полуостров. Градът става част от София област Българската държава в началото на Столицата на България е разположена в девети век, той получава славянско име Югоизточна Европа и поради тази причина и скоро бива признат за един от най- служи за естествен мост между Европа и важните феодални градове. Близкия Изток. • София – В днешно време българската столица носи името на Света София Факти (мъдрост), вдъхновено още и от името на Население: 1 291 591 църквата Света София. Площ: 1 310, 8 кв. км Девиз: „Расте, но не старее“ БВП: около 29% от нациналния БВП Културно наследство Културното наследство на София София е най-големият и най-бързо съчетава останките и следите на развиващия се център в икономическия цивилизации от неолита и траките, на живот на България. Половината от древните гърци и римляни, на славяните и директните чуждестранни инвестиции в прабългарите, на османците. Тези племена България са концетрирани в столицата. и етнически групи са оформили лицето Една трета от годишните данъчни на града. Социалистическият реализъм приходи в националния бюджет идват от и динамичните промени определят София. Регионът заема централната част развитието на София и са също част от Софийско поле (със средна височина от нейния неописуем чар. Докато се от 550м), което е заобиколено от Стара разхождате по улиците на града днес, планина (на север) и Люлин планина (на юг). можете да видите исторически спомени Районът се радва на изобилие от лечебни от по-стари цивилизации. Още от минерални извори (например Горна Баня, ранен неолит територията на днешния Овча Купел, Банкя). Витоша планина е милионен град е била обитавана от дестинация за зимен спорт. От древни примитивни общества. Археолозите времена София е добре известна като продължават да откриват инструменти спа център, благодарение на лечебните от Каменната, Медната и Бронзовата свойства на 18-те минерални и термални епоха в града и в околностите му. Тук извори. Тези извори са изобразени на герба има повече от 70 източноправославни на града. църкви и манастири. Много от тях са емблематични за българската столица. През вековете Центърът на града е еклектичен микс Основана преди 7 000 години, София е от комунистическата епоха, примесен вторият най-стар европейски град. с неокласическа и западноевропейска Градът, който се намира в центъра на архитектура, който очарова със своята Мизия, Тракия и Македония, е официален аристократична атмосфера и източния център на българите повече от 127 си чар. години. Малко след Освобождението на страната, той е обявен за столица. Официалната дата е 3-ти април 1879. Градът е постоянното седалище на Народното събрание (парламента), Президентството, Министерски съвет, централи на важни държавни агенции, политически партии и обществени организации. В София се намират много културните институции. Градът е бил известен с различни имена през историята. • Сердика е името, дадено му, от тракийското племе “серди”. • Средец е следващото име на града, което показва неговото централно местоположение на Балканския 8 overview Sofia Symbols

Eagle’s bridge (map F4) Eagle’s bridge (Orlov most) is a monument of freedom, named after the bronze eagle statues on the bridge Vitosha Boulevard (map C4) who symbolize protectors and defenders of the city. The pedestrian part of Vitosha Boulevard is well-known The bridge was built in 1891 by Adolf Vaclav Kolar and street where the locals take a walk and enjoy the Vaclac Proshek and it gives nowadays the name to the view to the mountain. Recently renovated, “Vitoshka” important and busy juncture at which it is located. provides variety of small cafés and restaurants, shops and souvenirs along the way. The sculpture of the great writer and public figure Aleko Konstantinov is situated at the begging of the street. The monument of the writer is a standing bronze figure, made by the sculptor Boris Borisov and the architect Plamen Tsanev.

Monument to the Unknown Soldier (map E3) The Monument to the Unknown Soldier commemorates The Ivan Vazov National Theatre (map D3) the hundreds of thousands of Bulgarian soldiers who The building of Ivan Vazov National Theatre was built died in wars defending their homeland. The monument after the design of the Viennese architects Hermann features an eternal flame, turf from Stara Zagora and Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner. It was completed in 1906 Shipka Pass, sits of the two of the most important and opened for performances in 1907. Ivan Vazov battles during the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation. National Theatre is the oldest and most authoritative theatre in Bulgaria after the Liberation.

“Independence” Square (map D3) The archeological complex “Independence” Square, also called Largo is located in of Honorius (map E3) the heart of the city of Sofia. Some of the Bulgarian The archeological complex of Honorius is the most most important state buildings are located near the important one of the 50 tombs found around the “Saint square, which is why it was used for official protocol Sophia Basilica”. The V-VI century complex is located ceremonies and other public appearances, including in front of the Basilica and it is protected by a glass civil protests. It is the central square of the capital - construction that allows a view from above. This is the both because of the importance of these buildings and only tomb of Late Antiquity in Bulgaria, where the name archeological monument next to it and because of its of the deceased is given, with the inscription in both central and key transport location in the city. Latin and Greek. overview 9

& Garden 10 overview Sofia Symbols

St. Alexander Nevski Temple St. Nikolai Russian Church Church (map E3) (map D3) The place for which all tourists make a beeline is the Built in 1912 by Russian workmen, this church St. Alexander Nevski Temple Church. The cathedral was is situated on the corner of Tsar Osvoboditel built in honour of the Russian Tsar Alexander II, also Blvd. and Benkovski Str. The church preserves called here the “Tsar Liberator”, whose army liberated the typical style of Moscow’s decorative arts, Bulgaria from the Ottoman rule, and was named after painting and architecture. The high dome is St. Alexander Nevski, the patron Saint of the Tsar and surrounded by four smaller domes. The external the Romanov dynasty. The foundation stone was laid decoration of the Russian Church is a joy to in 1882 but the building was not completed until 1912. behold with its exquisite and rich colors.

St. George Rotunda Place The Saint Sofia Basilica (map C3) (map E3) The red brick rotunda church of St. George is Is one of the four symbols on the capital’s coat of considered to be the oldest building in Sofia. It arms. After long years of hard work on the project is situated behind the Balkan Hotel, amid remains by a large team of archeologists, historians, of the ancient town of Serdica. Three layers of architects and preservationists, the capital frescoes have been discovered inside the church, residents and visitors will have the opportunity to the earliest dating back to the 10th century. get in touch with the rich archeological heritage Magnificent frescoes of 22 prophets over 2 of Sofia. meters tall crown the dome.

National Assembly The University of Sofia (map E3) St. Kliment Ohridski The Parliament (National Assembly) building, (map E4) listed as a cultural monument, is situated on the is the oldest institution in Bulgaria,founded on square of the same name with Tsar Osvoboditel 1 October, 1888. The edifice of the university Blvd. It was built in three stages from 1884 was constructed between 1924 and 1934 with to 1928, on plans of the Viennese architect the financial support of the brothers Evlogi and Yovanovich. Above the main entrance runs the Hristo Georgievi, whose sculptures are now slogan “Unity Makes Strength”. featured on its facade. overview 11

Sveta Nedelya Cathedral Church Boyana Church (map C3) (map back) Sveta Nedelya Cathedral Church - it is located Boyana Church - beautifully preserved monument in the very heart of the city center and has of the Bulgarian medieval art with over 240 800-years history.The cathedral is home of the murals. It testifies the significant contribution of Sofia bishopric part of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. This medieval church has suffered destruction Bulgarian momumental painting to the Europeaon through the ages and after many reconstructions culture in the Middle Ages and is also entered in become one of the landmarks of Sofia. UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Sofia Synagogue The Banya Bashi Mosque (map C2) (map C2) the third largest Jewish temple in Europe and the The Banya Bashi Mosque was built in 16th century largest in Southeastern Europe. It symbolized the and it is the only functioning mosque in Sofia. Jewish community of Bulgaria for over a century. The mosque is a remnant of the Ottoman rule of The central Synagogue is the only Jewish house Bulgaria. It’s name come from the phrase “Banya of worship in Sofia and one of the two functioning Bashi”, which means “many baths”. The most in Bulgaria (with the one in ). outstanding feature of the mosque is the fact that it was actually built over natural thermal spas.

“ZHENSKI” BAZAAR 90B, Tzar Samuil Str. Phone: +3592 983 21 84 [email protected] Every Day: 07.00-18.00 www.pazari-vazrajdane.com facebook.com/pazarivuzrajdane facebook.com/ArtGallerySerdica The “Zhenski” (female) market is an attractive touristic destination – the largest and the oldest market in the central part of Sofia. The bazaar offers fresh vegetables and food, unique Bulgarian souvenirs, spices from Bulgaria and the Middle East. Many fast food restaurants, cozy cafés and the new cultural area – “Serdika” Gallery are also there to visit. 12 overview

1 Archaelogical6 Museum Permanent and temporally exhibitions at: Prehistory 2 Hall, Vault, Central7 Hall, Middle Ages Hall. The famous Vulchitrun gold treasure is among the most 3 precious exhibits8 in Bulgaria’s oldest museum. 2, Saborna Str. 4 (next to the Bulgarian9 Nat. Bank) & 02 988 24 06 www.naim.bg 51Open: Tue-Sun,0 10.00-17.00

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2 Earth and Man7 National Museum Unique mineralogical museum keeps more than 20 3 000 samples collected8 all over the world. 4, Cherni Vrah Blvd. 4 & 02 865 66 399 www.earthandman.org 1 Open: Tue-Sat, 610.00-18.00 510 2 7

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4 National History9 Museum Museum contents more than 650 000 exhibits and is one of the largest history museums on the 51Balkans. Amazing0 recent Thracian gold discoveries. 1 Boyana, 16, Vitoshko6 Lale Str. (Residence Boyana, Palace 1) 2 & 02 955 42 807 www.historymuseum.org 3 Open: Mon-Sun,8 09.30 -18.00

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51National Museum0 of Natural History - BAS The richest museum of natural history on the Balkans. Over a million specimens of animals, 1 6 plants and minerals. 1, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. 2 7 (near the Russian Church) www.nmnhs.com 3 8 & 02 987 41 95 Open: Mon–Sun, 10.00-18.00 4 9

510 Sofia 1700, 3, Prof. Boyan Kamenov Str. & 02/ 902 00 00 www.muzeiko.bg Open: Tue - Sun, 10:00 – 18:00 “Muzeiko” is a modern science center for children – the biggest one in Eastern Europe. It offers its visitors the opportunity to enjoy 13 theme exhibitions trough 130 interactive educational games and different spaces for creative activities. overview 13

THE NATIONAL GALLERY The National Gallery is the biggest Bulgarian art museum. In its collection there are more than 42 000 works of art from Bulgaria, Europe, Asia, America and Africa. The departments of the National Gallery are: The Palace, Kvadrat 500, Museum of Christian Art, Museum of Socialist Art and Sofia Arsenal – Museum for Contemporary Art . http://www.nationalgallery.bg/ https://www.facebook.com/NacionalnaGaleriaBulgaria/ Tel. +3592 980 00 93 Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday , 10.00 – 18.00 Ticket office – 10.00 – 17.30 Closed on Mondays, Public holidays in Bulgaria, Christmas, New Year and Easter Tickets: 10/5 BGN - Kvadrat 500 6/3 BGN - The Palace, Museum of Christian Art, Museum of Socialist Art Admission free for Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as for children under 12 years, visitors with disabilities, students of art schools, employees of museums and galleries, members of ICOM,ICOMOS,AIAP,AICA, art organizations and press.

The Palace ROYAL PALACE 1, Knyaz Alexander I Square & +3592 980 00 93 Temporary exhibitions from famous Bulgarian and foreign museums, collections and artists.

Kvadrat 500 St. Alexander Nevsky Square 1, 19 February Str. & +3592 980 72 62, +3592 988 49 22 Over 2000 paintings, graphics and sculptures by Bulgarian and foreign artists are included in the representative exposition from the gallery collection in 28 halls on four levels. The works widely present the period of the Bulgarian Revival from 19th century and the modern and contemporary national art till the end of the 20th century. It is uniquely harmonized with art from Europe, Asia, Africa and America. KVADRAT 500 Museum of Christian Art at the Crypt of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Sofia, 1, St. Alexander Nevsky Square & +3592 981 57 75 The exposition presents the Christian art in the Bulgarian region. It includes the period from the official Christianisation of the Roman Empire in the 4th century untill the Bulgarian Revival (17th – 19th centuries): icons, religious wall paintings and church plate.

Museum of Christian Art

Museum of Socialist Art Sofia, 7 Lachezar Stanchev Str. & +3592 902 18 62 The museum presents Bulgarian art exsamples, created within the period 1940s – 1980s, thematically related to the socialist realism. The museum offers an exhibition hall and a sculpture park with typical works for this time and style – portraits of communist leaders, compositions with SOCIALIST ART MUSEUM partisans, workers, farmers etc.

Sofia Arsenal - Museum of Contemporary Art 2, Cherni Vrah Blvd www.samcaproject.org Temporary exhibitions of Bulgarian and foreign contemporary art.

SOFIA ARSENAL 14 HEALTH & BEAUTY

Sofia is among the top ten cities in Europe with respect to the opening of new medical clinics and laboratories and the supply of medical services. There are also many health and beauty centers offering a vast range of services. The opportunities to obtain high-quality appropriate personable care regarding one’s appearance and health are numerous and in this column we will do our best to present them. More and more foreigners choose to live long-term in Bulgaria while others come to Bulgaria on purpose to take advantage of the healthcare and dental services provided in our country. Our focus is on the facilities offering suitable care with the possibility of communication in a foreign language. Bulgaria is also known for the health restoration opportunities it offers. The availability of convalescent centers and clinics designed to provide the whole set of spa procedures can meet the medical treatment needs of any foreigner looking for bespoke care and attention. Bulgaria is also rich in natural springs with various mineral content and their waters are used for the treatment of different medical problems. The resorts located next to these springs will also feature in our column. CULTURE 15 16 Accommodation

Room Service TV in All Rooms Minibar in All Rooms Airconditioned Rooms Restaurant Bar Business Facilities Swimming Pool Fitness Facilities Casino Hotel Parking Credit Cards WiFi Handicape Room with good view

Please note: Number of stars according to the Bulgarian classification hotels

111, Alexandar Malinov Blvd. h 5 map back & 02 807 07 07 Public transport: 2-4, Budapeshta Str. h 2 map D3 fax: 02 807 07 08 B-413,113,213 & + 359 2 8 107 777 Public transport: e-mail:[email protected] cell: 0886 10 77 77 Tm -20, 22; Metro www.hisofiahotel.com fax: +359 2 8 107 770 Room rates: from EURO 70.00 e-mail: [email protected] The hotel offers 130 luxurious en-suite bed- www.arenadiserdica.com rooms with separate bath and shower, flat Double rooms - 40, Suites - 23 screen TV and free high speed internet. The Room rates: EURO 120 - 280 international Executive Chef provides a variety Strategically located in the heart of the city, right of dining experiences ranging from an informal next to the major government institutions, business meal to a gourmet dinner at the Brasserie centers and banks, as well as some cultural and Restaurant & Terrace. 11 state-of-the-art con- historical places, the luxurious Arena di Serdica ference suites for up to 300 delegates at highly Residence Hotel is an excellent choice for business competitive rates. The unique ESPRIT Fitness and cultural trips. & Spa club facilities include a 19m indoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis Grand Hotel Sofia & gym with the latest Technogym equipment. In close proximity to Sofia Airport and the city centre. 100 free secure parking spaces 1, Gen. Yosif V. Gurko Str. h 3 map D3 available to hotel guests and event delegates. fax: +359 2 811 0801 Public transport: Reservations: Tb-9; Tm-12,17 & +359 2 811 0800 Sofia Hotel Balkan e-mail: [email protected] Room rates: EURO 100-510 5, Sveta Nedelya Sq. h 9 map C3 Located in the very city center, overlooking the & 02 981 65 41 Public transport: City garden on the doorstep of the National Theatre fax: 02 980 64 64 Metro; Tm-9,10, 12, 18 and the City Art Gallery. The hotel features 105 unique spacious rooms of over 50 sq.m. At Room rates: EURO 135 - 225 guest’s disposal are also 17 comfortable oversized Located in the heart of Sofia, it is ideally situated just a stroll from the business and commercial suites including 2 Grand suites and 3 Panorama district. Recognized as one of the city’s grandest suites with balcony, providing the finest lodg- hotels and architectural landmarks, the Sheraton ing in Sofia. All rooms have air condition with Sofia offers guests an exceptional experi- individually controlled temperature, satellite and ence of Bulgaria’s finest culture and service. pay TV, inroom safe and electronic lock system, Archways of ceiling-high columns, dis- separate bathtub and shower cabin, bathroom tinctly constructed doors and moldings, telephone. Direct international dial telephones, and imported Italian marble floors outline voicemail messaging and high speed Internet the lobby of the hotel. Offers 184 splendid, access. Conference facilities seating from 10 to soundproof rooms and suites, including one 150, gourmet restaurant, café, lobby bar, Private Presidential Suite, 17 spacious suites, 17 Lounge, Sofia club, health centre, indoor parking. smart rooms and 71 non-smoking rooms. HOTEL Accommodation 17

Expo Hotel

6, Stara Planina Str. phone +359 2 915 15 00 6, Stara Planina Str. h 11 map E2 149, Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. h 10 map back & 02 915cell 15 +359 00 885 650 665 Public transport: fax: 02 986ww 20w. 00sofiacityhotel.co m Tm-20,22, & 02 817 81 00 Public transport: [email protected]@sofiacit yhotel.com Metro fax: 02 974 30 90 Bus 114, 1, 6, Metro Station www.sofiacityhotel.comEnjoy your stay! e-mail: [email protected] Room rates: EURO 69-169 www.hotelexposofia.com First-class hotel right in the city centre, close to Room Rates: EUR 69 – 109 the Sofia Opera House. 61 air-conditioned rooms Take advantage and enjoy the central location and suites, Internet access, lobby bar, restau- of the Best Western Hotel Expo in the heart of rant, 2 conference rooms, currency exchange the business area of the Bulgarian capital and office, sauna, massage center, hair-dresser, laundry, dry-cleaning and summer garden. just within 7 minute drive from Airport Sofia. A step away from Sofia’s premier International Exhibition and Congress center, the 4 star Best Western Hotel Expo features 99 rooms, flexible meeting rooms, a state-of-art Business Lounge and elegant bar and dining options as well as lush open-air summer garden. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Sofia International Airport, just within 7 minute drive. Enjoy the central city landmarks by taking the Metro which is situated just front of the hotel. Within 2 minute car ride can easily reach the city concert & 30,Iskar Str. , h 16 map E2 sport venue Arena Armeec Hall, several shop- & +359 (0)2 452 1460, Public transport ping malls and main countryside highways. & +359 (0) 895 691 791 Tm-20,22 email: [email protected] Metro Hotel COOP, Sofia is a newly opened Business hotel, representing an exquisite building, in the style of Old Sofia. The hotel is located in the heart of the capital, just few steps away from many landmarks – architectural and cultural-historical sightseeing, administrative buildings and res- 79G, “Aleksandar Malinov” Blvd. taurants. The combination between location, &+359 2 4349111; + 359 2 4349115 interesting architecture and quality service makes [email protected] it preferred place for business and family trips. www.gramihotelsofia.com Hotel COOP 4, Sofia provides accommodation Hotel Grami is the newest business hotel in in 72, stylish and comfortable bedrooms and Sofia. The hotel has 54 rooms and 6 two- suites. All bedrooms would fulfil the expectations bedroom apartments. The top-floor sky-bar for modern hotel comfort, sophisticated style offers privacy and views of Vitosha Mountain. and elegant luxury even of the most discerning Breakfast is enjoyable and energizing with guests. The guests are more than welcome to mooding. Strategically located in the most enjoy cup of refresh drink or appetizing meals intensely developing quarter of Sofia, in close in Bistro and Lobby bar. The relax zone is good proximity to Sofia Business Park, Vitosha place for sport, recreation and energizing in Mountain and the Gondola lift, Sofia Airport, the Fitness centre, Gym, Sauna, Massage, Tanning Southern Arc of the Ring Road, the elegant Hotel Room and Underground Parking with 2 Levels. GRAMI is an excellent choice for both business For events there is multi-purpose Conference and leisure guests and for tourists arriving for Hall, for up to 100 delegates, equipped with all leisure, cultural and sporting purposes. the necessary technics for conferences and Our friendly and smiling staff is available at all meetings. times to answer your questions and needs. 18 Accommodation

Best Western Premier Sofia Airport

11, Bryuksel Blvd. h 13 (map back) +359/ 2 905 13 13 Public Transport: 64, Tsarigradsko shose Blvd. h 19 map back www.hotelpremiersofia.com B-84, Metro & +359 2 42 47 900 Public transport: Part of the largest hotel chain in the world - Best fax: +359 2 875 70 00 Metro, B76, 84, 213 Western - with more than 4000 hotels worldwide. E: [email protected] Boasting a convenient location at the new business www.metropolitanhotelsofia.com district of Sofia, just 0,5 km from Sofia International Room rates: EURO 108-176 Airport, the impressive brand new 4-star BEST Rooms: Single - 31, Double - 141, Suites - 11, WESTERN PREMIER Sofia Airport hotel offers con- Corner Studios - 16, Panorama apartments - 2 venient access from two main highways and sev- eral dynamic Business centers, including Sofia Airport Stylish urban hotel with unconventional design Center and European Trade Center Europe. welcomes you at the eastern gate of the capital city – 3 km away from Sofia Airport, 4 km The modern BEST WESTERN PREMIER hotel provides from Business Park Sofia and within a walking 155 spacious Premier King & Twin, Deluxe Queen and distance from the International Expo Centre (IEC) Business Suite rooms. The hotel offers easy access of and The Mall shopping centre. Discreet and shopping areas, dining and leisure options via Metro, thoughtful service, feel-at-home sensation and public transport or taxi. varied entertainment make your stay a memo- Organize an event for up to 400 people at BEST WESTERN rable experience. PREMIER hotel with the latest A/V technology and a 450 sq. meter flexible function space, including Heathrow grand ballroom. Whether it’s for a meeting, training seminar or wedding, our dedicated team will ensure your event is a success.

29, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. h 18 map C2 & 02 980 55 77 Public transport: 115N Tsarigradsko Shosse Blvd. h 20 map back fax: 02 980 33 55 Metro; Tm-20,22 & /Fax +359 290 43 000 Public transport: e-mail: [email protected] www.novotel.com/8468 Metro; B-84, 204, 604 www.marialuisa-bg.com e-mail: [email protected] Room rates: EURO 75-135 Novotel Sofia is ideally located in one of the most important business districts of Sofia and The Maria Luisa hotel occupies an exquisite is only 10 min from the historical city center and building dating back to the turn of the last the airport. This new 4-star hotel is adjacent to century and considered one of the national The Mall, one of Sofia’s biggest shopping and cultural monuments. It is situated in the very entertainment centers. Either you come for busi- heart of Sofia in close proximity to significant ness, for a meeting or with your family, you will business and administrative centers, Ministries be fascinated by the modern atmosphere and and Central shop markets. 15 rooms, 5 suites, functionality of its design. WIFI is free of charge restaurant, lobby bar, business centre, parking. in all hotel spaces. Take advantage of the NOVO All rooms are beautifully appointed, with luxury 2 Lounge Bar & Restaurant or relax in Balance fit- in-suite bathrooms, cable TV, audio equipment, ness where massages are also available. Parking direct telephone connection, internet access. is free for all hotel guests. Accommodation 19

409, Tsar Boris III Blvd. h 26 map back Ibis Sofia Airport Hotel Knyazhevo District Public transport: & +3592 957 15 09 B-58, 59 cell: +359888 81 89 38 Tm: 5 www.hotelamfora.eu ; [email protected] 132, Mimi Balkanska Str. h 46 map back & +35929444488 Public Transport: Room rates: EURO 15 (Suites: EURO 45) fax:+35929444488 Bus 84 14 rooms and 3 suites. The Amphora fam- e-mail: [email protected] ily hotel offers you the opportunity to combine your business engagements in the Bulgarian www.ibis.com capital with a nice rest on the slopes of the Room rates: EURO 55-65 Vitosha mountain. The hotel is situated on The brand new Ibis Hotel is ideally located just the main road from Sofia to the towns of 500 m from Sofia Airport Center and 2 to 5 min- Knyazhevo and Vladaya and is only 5 min. utes driving to Megapark, European Trade Center, on foot from the public transportation. At the Interexpo Center and Arena Armeets hall. It is hotel a guarded parking lot is also available. easily accessible by public transport - 1 minute walking distance to a bus and 1,6 km to metro ARTE HOTEL station. With 84 standard Ibis rooms, a summer garden restaurant and 4 meeting rooms, free WiFi, 5 Dondukov blvd. business corner and office by day services, Ibis Tel. +359 2 402 7100 Hotel is perfect for business trips and a smart [email protected] choice for weekend breaks. www.artehotelbg.com Public transport: Metro; Tram - 20, 22, 23 Map D3 Located in the most attractive part of the city centre, the hotel is next to major government institutions, cultural sites and tourist venues. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, National Archaeological Museum, Sofia Opera and Serdika tube station are a stone’s throw Meg-Lozenetz away. With its 25 elegantly appointed units offering a comprehensive range of in-room facilities and free WiFi, Arte hotel is the perfect choice for both business and leisure trips. 84, Krum Popov Str. h 29 map C7 & 02 965 19 70 Public transport: & 02 963 35 23 Tm-6,9; B-94 Cell: 0889 464 300 Metro /Europian Union/ Restaurant Azaar Spanish Cuisine - 0888 020 020 e-mail: [email protected] www.meg-lozenetz.com Boyana District, 5, Sborishte Square Room rates: EURO 75-150 19&/fax: 02 959 05 29 h 35 map back It is in the close proximity to the National Palace of www.villa-boyana.com Public transport: Culture and to the shopping area of the “Vitosha” e-mail: [email protected] B-107, 64 boulevard, just 15 minutes by car from Sofia Room rates: EURO 40-50 Airport. The hotel is near Metro Station “Europian Located in the middle of Boyana village, a few Union”. The hotel has 17 luxury furnished double minutes from “National History Museum”, a few and triple rooms. Rooms offer internet connec- tion, AC, mini bar, IDD phone, TV, own heating, meters away from the world famous “Boyana room service. Restaurant, spanish cuisine with Church” and only ten minutes by car from the cosy garden, newly opened lobby bar with special downtown of Sofia. Comfortable well-appointed menu, parking. bedrooms. Special welcomes by request. 20 Accommodation

Park Hotel Moskva Hotel Restaurant Montecito h 32 map back Phone: +359 2 973 6246 25, Nezabravka Str. h 46 map H8 Cell: +359 88 800 4820 Public Transport: B 5, 6, 7 & +3592 971 10 24 Public transport: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Metro www.hotelmontecito.bg Room rates: EURO 24 - 61 Hotel Montecito is situated on the main bou- Park hotel Moskva is situated in the most beautiful levard, leading to the city center, close to and green part of Sofia - the Borisova garden. An ideal Sofia Airport, Sofia Business Center and location and easy access to all modes of transport. The hotel offers 120 rooms and 40 new suites with International Expo Center. The hotel features 101 panoramic views, 2 restaurants, a summer and a winter well-appointed guestrooms, main restaurant, garden, 7 conference halls up to 600 seats, parking resembling a small palace, cozy summer gar- and alot more. den, outdoor swimming pool and large parking. Montecito Hall is the newest value in Sofia, luxury designed in style of The Palace of Versailles, perfect for special events. Montecito kids is huge and attractive party center, offers professional animation and services.

4, Verila Str. h 37 map B5 & 02 952 08 30 Public transport: NIKY HOTEL &/fax: 02 951 57 60 Tm-6; Tb-1, 2, 5, 8, 9 cell: 0886 51 35 82 16, Neofit Rilski Str. h 30 map B4 e-mail: [email protected] & 02 952 30 58, 02 953 01 10 Public transport: www.hotelthehouse.com fax: 02 951 60 91 Tb-1, 2, 5, 8 Rooms rates: EURO 31-43 & 02 851 19 15 – restaurant Located in the very heart of Sofia next to the e-mail: [email protected] National Palace of Culture. All rooms are designed Room rates: EURO 35-105 according to European standards - air-condition- 16 Suites, 3 Single and 4 Double rooms. All rooms offer free of charge Internet accesses, ing, separate bath-room, cable TV, Wi-Fi, refrig- cable T.V., direct telephone line, kitchenette (coffee, erator. Equipped with telephone, air-conditioning, tea making facilities), room service, air-conditioning, cable TV, central heating, free internet access. own heating. BBQ restaurant-garden with authentic rooms, wireless internet, cable TV, air-conditioning. bulgarian cuisine.

easyHotel Sofia - LOW COST 29, Hristo Belchev Str. h 34 map C4 & + 359 2 4811400 Public transport: 108, Aldomirovska Str. h 38 map back fax: + 359 2 4811401 Tb-1, 2, 5, 8, 9 /Todor Alexandrov Blvd./ Public transport: [email protected] & 02 920 16 54 Metro, Tm 3, 8,10 www.sofiaplacehotel.com fax: 02 822 82 15 Room rates: EURO 50 – 90 e-mail: [email protected] Located in the heart of the city, near the major www.easyhotel-sofia.bg www.easyhotel.com business and shopping centres as well as cultural Room rates: EURO 19 - 34 EUR monuments Sofia Place Hotel offers 20 modern easyHotel Sofia is part of the British hotel chain easyHo- designed rooms equipped with telephone, mini bar, tel.co, which is unique for offering modern facilities and air-condition, Wi Fi, cable TV and central heating. impeccable service at unusually low rates. Situated on But our best quality is the staff! Personal attention the corner of Aldomirovska Street and the main Todor to every guest is our “speciality”! Alexandrov Boulevard, the brand new hotel is on just Accommodation 21

5 minutes walk from the beating heart of central Sofia. coziness at a reasonable price. We offer fully furnished All the 57 rooms are minimized in size however each and equipped apartments and studios for short and is equipped with private bathroom, double bed, TV and longer term stay. The apartments are located in the Wi-Fi access, air-conditioning. The earlier you book, the center of Sofia. We offer studios, onebedroom and two less you pay. Check in – 2 pm; Check out – 11 am. bedroom apartments . In some of the flats there are Check best rates and book at www.easyhotel.com spa bathroom.

Vitosha Apartments - self-catering serviced apart- ments on and nearby Vitosha Blvd. h42, C4 12, Dragovitsa Str. h 39 map back 9, Bistritsa Str. & 02 944 89 52 Public transport: оffice: +359 2 987 03 88 Public transport: fax: 02 943 34 71 B-11,305,413,72 mobile: +359 897 845 055 metro, Tb 1,2,5,8,9 e-mail: [email protected] B- 404;Tm-20,22 e-mail: [email protected] facebook.com/VitoshaApartments www.madridbg.com www.vitosha-apartments.com Cosy and quiet family hotel, situated close to the Airport Pick up service city center and Poduyane railway station. 16 rooms Room rates: EURO 45 - 90 per night (4 single, 10 double, 2 double deluxe) and 2 suites. Equipped with telephone, air-conditioning, Hello dear guests and friends of Vitosha Apartments. cable TV, central heating, free internet access. We are glad to announce you that we’ve moved to another central location. We are now at 9, Bistritsa Street, off Hristo Botev Apartment Rentals Boulevard within a 5 minutes walking away from our old Office. Our new place is called MEETING POINT and you can contact there with us only with appointment on the given mobile phone and e-mail for reservations. Check-in will be done at the address which will be given in advance. Thank you so much for beeing faith- bl. 531, Anna Ahmatova Str., h 41 map back ful guests, partners and friends! Mladost 1A Distr. Public transport: The team of Vitosha Apartments. fax /& +359 2 974 41 60 Metro cell: +359 2 887 70 55 30 B-213,88,76, 305 e-mail: [email protected] www.block531.com Are you looking for a good accommodation during your stay in Sofia? The information for our lodging conditions shall be useful for you: double rooms and apartments in a new building, with guaranteed comfort and coziness – situated in the south-east part of Sofia, Mladost 1A, 5,5 km. from the Sofia airport. Anyone can do it!

Every Saturday, at top places, in top cities: Free, organized running for everyone! The pleasure - to run for pleasure! Marrinella apartments 53, Patriarh Evtimii Blvd h43, Map B5 5kmrun.bg Cell: 00359898367112, & 00359 2 9516 555 [email protected] www.flatsinsofia.com min 36 euro - max 84 euro Airport shuttle, Tv in every room, Children television networks, Ironing service, Laundry, Air Conditioning, Heating, Bottle of water and coca cola. Marrinella apartments combine comfort, privacy and cityinfoguides.com CITYINFOGUIDES.com 22 restaurants

Bulgarian restaurant Chevermeto – whatever is at heart Bulgarian restaurant “Chevermeto” is the first authentic, real Bulgarian restaurant in Sofia established in 1996. With its opening the restaurant has a tradition every night the rich musical program to be attended by a beautiful folklore composition, the unique Bulgarian folklore and popular songs. The great Valya Balkanska, the unforgettable Stefka Sabotinova, Nadka Karadzhova and Kostadin Gugov have performed at the restaurant. For years has been singing the national singer Binka Dobreva from the Mystery of Bulgarian Voices. The actress and singer Stefka Berova has also been present in the restaurant’s repertoire for a long time. Tanya Skechelieva from the “Filip Kutev” Ensemble, which won the Pirin Folk Fest 2013, Margarita Popova, Sonya Ivanova and Ilian Iliev continue to sing at the restaurant every evening. The unique Ensemble “Gotse Delchev” – Sofia performs its beautiful spectacle including national dances from all regions of the country every night. In our capital only the Bulgarian restaurant “Chevermeto” maintains every evening its unique program for the past 20 years. Bulgarian restaurant “Chevermeto” combines authentic atmosphere, dishes from old recipes and a folklore spectacle. An atmosphere offering real Bulgarian comfort and returning us back in time to roots and traditions. For special occasions as wedding celebrations, jubilee events and others the restaurant offers authentic customs. Meeting the guests with bagpipes, bread with honey and salt, rituals left as traditions from our ancestors during the ages. We will take you to a Bulgarian fairytale as an old as legend. And maybe that’s the evening you want to have? This can come true only at our Bulgarian restaurant “Chevermeto”. restaurants 23

NDK - Prono, 1, Bulgaria Blvd., &+359 2 9 630 308; +359 885 630 308 Every day from 12.00 to 00.00, www.chevermeto-bg.com 24 restaurants Please note: the price guide is an approximate dinner cost s - up to 25 lv per person; ss - up to 40 lv per person sss - over 40 lv per person

Bar & Dining COOP CLUB 99, G.S.Rakovski. Str. & +359 (0)2 452 1461, & +359 (0) 898 656 890 ss Club of Architect ss email: [email protected] 11, Krakra Str. (map F4) Restaurant COOP CLUB has two air-conditioned Open: 12.00-24.00 halls furnished in traditional bulgarian style. The main restaurant has 120 seats and a formed dance cell: +359 888 880 979 floor. The small hall has the capacity for 40 seats. Offers great variety of European cuisine: interest The atmosphere creates retro bulgarian library. salad, dishes, desserts & rich list of wine. Barbecue can be served. The traditional bulgarian Summer & winter garden: 110 seats cozy atmosphere of the Restaurant makes it an Credit cards: accepted ideal place for meeting friends, weddings, prom balls, cocktails, catering, family and company celebrations.

21, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. ss The New Fox&Hound ss & 02 944 3915 & 0878 625 054 34, Angel Kanchev Str., (map C5) www.grozd.bg Cell: +359 876 331 419 & +359 980 74 27 Hours: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Open: 10.00 - 24.00 Grozd is the restaurant where you can find Stepping through the doors of the Fox & Hound is traditional Bulgarian dishes based on original like traveling back in time to foggy old Albion. This home-made recipes, whilst also having a wide lively and friendly British pub serves excellent food variety of classic international dishes. It is and an impressive selection of drinks. a place where you can get a true feeling of traditional Bulgarian cuisine and wines. And Bulgarian with 22 years of history you will certainly be in good hands.

NDK - Prono ss 1, Bulgaria Blvd. (map B6) Open every day: 12.00 - 00.00 Restaurant Vodenitzata & +359 2 9 630 308 cell: +359 885 630 308 Dragalevtsi District (map back) ss e-mail: [email protected] & 02 967 10 58, fax: 02 967 50 07 www.chevermeto-bg.com Open: 12.00-24.00 Restaurant Chevermeto combines authentic www.vodenitzata.com atmosphere, dishes prepared according to old One of the top ranked restaurants due to its magnifi- receipts and a folklore show. Every evening a whole lamb is roasted on fire as cent scenery. During the winter months 2 fireplaces “cheverme”, where the name of the restaurant illuminate the stone walls. The impression of the comes from. If you want to try all these take programme show can be multiplied by tasting your friends and bring them to Chevermeto, the traditional Bulgarian specialities and splash them way it is done by ministers, presidents, royalties with the excellent rakia and wine. Reservations and celebrities. by all means. restaurants 25

International

1, Oborishte Str. Restaurant LEBED & 0888 04 04 04 241, Samokovsko Shose Str. (map back) ss “La Cattedrale” restaurant ss & 02 992 11 11 Unique view in the heart of Sofia. Several different Open: 12.00-24.00 in its own style gardens...You can immerse yourself www.restaurantlebed.com into the comfort and tranquility of the flora in the Situated on the very shore of the Pancharevo yard of the Academy of Arts or in front of the impos- lake. 2 halls and splendid garden, whose ing figure of a temple-monument Mediterranean style and natural beauty make the “Alexander Nevsky”. atmosphere really romantic. Seafood delights, Fine cuisine with recipes from all around the world, as well as a rich collection of selected beverage. special menus and excellent service.

21, Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd. +359884 441 441, ss [email protected], www.esterhasi.com Esterhasi bar is located in the heart of Sofia, one step away from everything. Modern interior, European cuisine La Vitta e Bella ss and a friendly atmosphere are the perfect combination for waiting out the evening traffic, with a glass of wine 6, Stara Planina Str. (map E2, Best Western Plus in your hand. You certainly have to test out our talented City Hotel Sofia) chefs, while enjoying the view to the Knyazheska Garden & 02 989 70 07 and Turkish consulate. Every Friday and Saturday night, Infiniti’s latest model will take you to your next party des- Open: 12.00 - 23.00 tination. Esterhasi bar – the place, everyone talks about! La Vita è Bella is the restaurant of the capital Best The cool place in town… Western Plus City Hotel. The interior is in the spirit of radiant, relaxed and cozy Italian atmosphere and in the warm season the garden outside is like a Indian / Nepal small Italian city oasis in old Sofia. Great food, great wines and hearty welcoming – this is what clients here receive.

restaurant - terrace Gurkha ss Lozenets Distr. 56, Tsvetna Gradina Str. (map B8) gourmet burger & 02 865 02 16 cell 0884 939 100 113 “Georgi S. Rakovski” Str. s Open: Every day 11:00-24:00 Cell: +359 879555559restaurant - terrace www.gurkhabg.com www.hamburguesanostra.bg DELIVERY HOLE SOFIA - till 22:00h Working time: 10:00 - 23:00 Indian and Nepali cuisine. Dishes from all over Asia. Nice and cozy place. Easy to find, 2 minutes from Hamburguesa gourmetNostra emerges burger as a pioneer in a NDK, with a range of hotels around - Marinella, bold endeavor: discovers the traditional concept of Hilton, Hemus, Lozenets, Apartment House Lozenets, the burgher by making it a gourmet food. California, 7 Hills, Greenville... Parking. Wi-Fi zone. Delivery 11.30-22.00 26 Bulgaria in Brief Bulgaria in Brief 27 28 NIGHT LIFE bARS & cLUBS Casinos Casino Sofia 4, Narodno Sabranie Square cell: +359 888 77 66 55

Club Stroeja 10, Lege Str. Reservations: +359 885 974666 facebook.com/stroeja Princess Sofia Open: Monday - Sunday 16:00 - 3:00 131, Kn. Maria Luiza Blvd. (map C0) (Sofia Ramada Hotel), & +359 2 933 88 88

Princess 6, Tsar Kaloyan Str. Club Terminal 1 1, Angel Kanchev Str. Reservations: +359 889 219001 facebook.com/clubterminal1 Open: Thursday - Saturday 21:00 - 6:00 Viva Casino Sofia Hotel Balkan (map C3) & 02 981 57 47, 02 986 35 01, cell: +359 893 729 190 www.groupviva.com

Bedroom premium CLUB Erotic barS 2, Lege Str. +359 8888 60666 Fb/bedrumclub

Piano bar Camino 4, Vitosha Blvd. (map C3) 70, N.Rilski str. & +359 2 981 36 63, +359 2 981 07 70 +359 899 121219 Fb/pianobarcamino www.FetishSofia.com Open every day: 9 PM - 4 AM Friday and Saturday 9 PM - 5 PM The only and unique FETISH club in Sofia. Every night you can enjoy the company of 20 highly attractive and hottest girls in most pleasant atmosphere. 11A, Aksakov Str. Do not hesitate and call us - we promise to bring +359 87 776 4766 all your fantasies to life! Bulgaria in Brief 29 30 CULTURE 5-6 May 2018 Chiprovtsi Rug Festival For the 5th consecutive year, the Chiprovtsi municipality is organizing the Chiprovtsi Rug Festival.

The goal of the festival is to popularize the Chiprovtsi rugs by presenting both the tradition in the craft as well as the introduction of contemporary motifs in their production. On this day, the women will demonstrate how to make these rugs with the two identical faces. You will be able to view the open-air exhibit of the traditional colourful woollen rugs. At noon, the centre for the sale of rugs and small souvenirs will open. Among the products, you can find watches with dials featuring motifs taken from the Chiprovtsi rugs. The Chiprovtsi rugs are famous all over the world for the skilfully woven geometric figures of people, animals and birds in red, black, yellow, blue, brown and green. At first, the rugs used to be only in black and white, yet later more hues were added to expand the colour palette. The Chiprovtsi rugs are recognized by UNESCO as part of the world cultural heritage. The festival will start with a competition for weaving a Chiprovtsi rug figure. Here are some of the typical rug elements: The cabbages with their colourfulness symbolize the cosiness of the Bulgarian home. The bright hues are in accord to the endeavour of the Bulgarian woman to be open to the world of beauty, the world of harmony and the joy of creativity. The hooks and frogs are figures that the rug maker places in the border or in the main field as symbols of constancy and stability. The karakachka is a black-eyed bride. The materials include red, black and rarely navy wool. The design of this type of rugs comprises a chessboard pattern of karakachka motifs in the main field and also in the border. The aim is to achieve a contrast between the principal colour and the figures: red and black, navy and red. You will have the opportunity to attend a fashion show of outfits featuring motifs from the Chiprovtsi rugs. The collection is the work of students from the National Academy of Art. The festival continues also on 6 May, including different events showcasing culinary mastery and the festive spirit of the northwest corner of the country. CULTURE 31 5-6 Май 2018г Фестивал на Чипровския килим За пета поредна година община Чипровци организира “Фестивал на Чипровския килим” Целта на фестивала е да се популяризира Чипровския килим, като представи, както традицията в занаята, така и навлизането на съвременни мотиви в изработването му. На този ден жените демонстрират как се изработват килимите с две напълно еднакви лица. Ще може да разгледате изложбата под открито небе на традиционните цветни вълнени килими. На обяд се отваря центъра за продажби на килими и малки сувенири. Сред тях са часовници, чиито циферблат представя мотив от чипровски килим. Чипровските килими са прочути в цял свят, заради сръчно изтъканите геометрични фигури на хора, животни и птици в червено, черно, жълто, синьо, кафяво и зелено. Първоначално килимите били само червено-черни, но по-късно се обогатява цветната палитра с която се изработват. Чипровските килими са признати от ЮНЕСКО като част от световното културно наследство. Фестивалът ще започне с конкурс за изтъкаване на фигура от чипровския килим.Ето някои характерни елементи от килимите: “Зелките” символизират с пустротата си уюта в дома на българката, ярките цветове хармонират на стремежа и за отвореност към света на красотата, в света на хармонията и радостта от творчеството. „Куките и жабиците” са фигури, който килимарката разполага в бордюра или полето - символи на постоянство и устойчивост. „Каракачка” - черноока булка. Тъкани са от предимно червена, черна и по- рядко тъмно синя вълна. Декорацията на този вид килими се състои от шахматно разположени мотиви, „каракачки”, в полето и ограждащите го бордюри. Търсен е контрастът на основния цвят и фигурите, червено и черно, тъмносиньо и червено. Ще можете да видите ревю на облекла с мотиви от чипровски килими, от колекцията на студенти от Националната художествена академия. Фестивалът продължава и на 6 май, с различни изяви на кулинарното майсторство и празничния дух на Северозапада. 32 CULTURE Culture Centers - Programme

Polish Institute in Sofia 12, Veslets Str. & +359 2 981 09 07 Fax +359 2 981 57 44 [email protected] Twitter: @PLISofia Web: www.institutpolski.org FB: facebook.com/polski.institut.sofia

Exhibition „Cold War. А Short History of а World Divided” 15 May – 12 July 2018 May 15th, 6 pm. – Official opening of the exhibition in the Polish Institute in Sofia An invitation to go back to the near past, to the reality of conflict which dominated Europe for over five decades after the WWII, influenced lives of millions and shaped the modern world. The exhibition’s narrative is particularly strong due to photos. It is focused not only on the photos which are already icons of the cold war and the less familiar documentary photos, which complement the exhibition, but also on those that will be treasured in our minds and are thought-provoking. CULTURE 33

National Music & Ballet Center - Sofia

100, Blvd. 2nd, 19:00 - Concert National Dancer school & 02 943 19 79 3rd, 19:00 - Concert National Dancer school www.musictheatre.bg 5th, 26th, 19:00 - Bulgarians from the old time www.arabesque.bg 10th, 27th, 19:00 - The merry widow 11th, 18th, 19:00 - THE CSARDAS QUEEN 20th, 19:00 - Spring ball 12th, 11:00 - to kiss the princess 25th, 19:00 - my fair lady 12th, 19:00 - charey’s aunt 26th, 11:00 - Yan Bibiyan 13th, 11:00 - golden cockerel 31st - The little prince premiere 13th, 17:00 - aladin ARABESK 15th, 19:00 - Concert National Dancer school 4th, 19:00 - German 19th, 11:00 - Sharl the cat 19th, 19:00 - Romeo and Juliet

to kiss the princess

My fair lady 34 CULTURE

“Sofia” Theatre has the pleasure to invite you to be part of one unforgettable experience with performances also with subtitles in English. All performances with subs will be designated with this symbol: ► PROGRAMME 11th - THE NIGHT OF JANUARY 16TH 18th, 30th - hookup 23A Yanko Sakazov Blvd. 25th - The Hunchback of Notre-Dame ► phone.: +359 2 944 24 85 / +359 878 92 75 21 CHAMBER HALL www.sofiatheatre.eu 13th - APPETITE FOR CHERRIES FOR ADULTS - THE PLAYS BEGIN AT 19:00 FOR CHILDREN - THE PLAYS BEGIN AT 11:00; GRAND HALL 17:00 2nd, 16th - TIRAMISU ► GRAND HALL 3rd, 15th - The Government Inspector 5th, 11:00 - mary poppins 4th, 12th, 27th - THE MINISTER’S WIFE 12th, 11:00 - RONIA THE ROBBER’S DAUGHTER 5th, 22nd - ALONSO ► 13th, 11:00 - PETER PAN ► 8th, 19th, 31st - OLD SAYBROOK & LAST OF THE 19th, 11:00 - THE LITTLE MERMAID RED HOT LOVERS ► 20th, 27th, 11:00 - Pippi 9th, 23rd - hangmen ► 26th, 17:00 - Pippi 10th - ANNA KARENINA ► 29th, 18:00 - mary poppins CULTURE 35

Theatre Bulgarian Army www.tba.art.bg facebook.com/armytheatre

98, Rakovski Str. & 02 987 23 03 Grand Hall - 19:00 3rd - THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST 25th - comedy in the dark 4th, 17th - THE IRON CRESSET 26th - LET’S WAG THE DOGS 5th - Working Time 29th - THE LEGACY OF A CHASTE WOMANIZER 7th - ABOUT THE UNIVERSAL EDUCATION Scene MIRACLE - 19:30 8th - comedy in the dark 10th, 19th, 29th - After the Rehearsal 9th - THE LAST SUPPER OF LEVSKI DEACON 12th, 23rd - ONE NIGHT WITH YOU 10th, 27th - ALBENA 13th, 24th - After the Rehearsal 11th - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 17th - EMMIGRANTS 12th, 31st - SCISSORS KILLER 31st - The woman from the sea 14th - western 15th - SEX, DRUGS AND ROCK’N’ROLL Club Scene - 19:30 16th -SALOME 3rd, 25th - JAN AND BEATHRIS 18th - AT THE FOOTHILLS OF VITOSHA 11th, 22nd - UNCURTAIN 19th - Shoot the artist 26th - detective 24th - gala evening ASKEER 28th - LETTER TO KASSANDRA

National academy for theatre and film arts Krastyo Sarafov

108 A, G. S. Rakovski Str. 4th, 18th, 26th - PAPAS IN MOTION & 02 9231 303 9th, 11th, - KUM LISAN www.natfiz.bg 12th, 22nd - ORIENT EXPRESS 10th, 16th - Evening class by Prof. Zdravko Mitkov GRAND HALL – 19:00 29th - musical evening class by 2nd, 15th - nose Prof.A.Atanasov 4th, 16th - A Midsummer Night’s Dream 15th, 31st - The Government Inspector 8th, 17th - Antichrist superstar PUPPET TRAINING THEATRE – SCENE B24 SCENE 47 – 19:30 5th, 19:00 - on the road 2nd, 17th - ABOUT LOVE AND OTHER DEMONS 15th, 19:00 - THEATRICAL CONCERT 3rd, 19th, 31st - Black hole 19th, 11:00 - TROPALAN the ghoul

Antichrist superstar 36 CULTURE

Sofia Opera and Ballet 11, Friday 10:00 12, Saturday 11:00 13, Sunday 11:00 18, Friday 10:00 THE THREE PIGGIES Performance for children by Alexandar Raychev 25, Friday 10:00 26, Saturday 11:00 DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE for children Opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1, Vrabcha Str. 26, Saturday 19:00 & 02 987 13 66 ZORBA THE GREEK www.operasofia.bg Ballet by Mikis Theodorakis 27, Sunday 11:00 4, Friday 11:00 MAIN HALL THE THREE PIGGIES LILLY AND THE MAGIC PEARL Performance for children Opera for children by Lyubomir Denev by Alexandar Raychev after the fairy tale “Puk!” by Valeri Petrov 27, Sunday 16:00 5, Saturday 11:00 CARMEN LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Ballet on music by Performance for children Georges Bizet - Rodion Schedrin by Alexander Vladigerov RHAPSODY IN BLUE 5, Saturday 17:00 SHEGOBISHKO ON Ballet on music by George Gershwin THE ISLAND OF MIRACLES 29, Tuesday 18:30 Performance for children by Georgi Kostov LEGEND OF SOFIA 10, Thursday 19:00 Guest performance State Ballet for children with the participation of Opera – Ruse Masha Ilieva Ballet School TURANDOT 31, Thursday 19:00 Opera by Giacomo Puccini RIGOLETTO 11, Friday 19:00 Guest performance State Opera by Giuseppe Verdi Opera – Ruse Guest performances: LUD GIDIA Vladimir Stoyanov as Rigoletto Opera by Parashkev Hadjiev Diana Vasileva as Gilda

RHAPSODY IN BLUE CULTURE 37

Classica Gallery 32, Yuriy Venelin Str. (map E5) & 0894 70 20 90 [email protected] Mon – Fri: 11:00 – 18:00 Saturday and Sunday: Reservation required by phone IVAN TABAKOV Until 14.05.2018 The exhibition “Annunciation” continues. Bulgarian classical and contemporary author’s pictures could become yours – aiming investitment or just to support the Bulgarian artists! 17.05.2018 - 17.06.2018 - Exhibition “130 newly discovered works TODOR PETROV of old masters” ELIEZER ALSHEH 38 CULTURE

3, Lege Str. (map C3) cell: 0894 341 724 www.artgalleryeurope.eu [email protected] Mon – Sat: 11.00 - 19.00 18th of May - June 3 Exhibition - Textile by Lily Prokopieva 19th of May - Night of Museums and Galleries

Lily Prokopieva Bojidar Hadjistoyanov Evdokia Art Glass 120, G.S.Rakovski Blvd. Phone: +359 887 959 872; +359 899 940 572 Facebook: evdokiaartglass Until 13.05 - exhibition of paintings by Evdokia Maneva - Minister of the Environment 1997 - 2001 15.05 - 03.06 - “Awakening” - glass exhibition 19.05 - “Museum Night” until 22:00 CULTURE 39

IN LIEU OF RENAISSANCE: THE BULGARIAN NATIONAL REVIVAL IN ART - FROM THE ICON TO THE SECULAR PORTRAIT THE PALACE 1, Knyaz Alexander I Sq. Project approved under the Cultural Programme of the 19th of May - Night of Museums and Galleries Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, 2018 The National Gallery presents the art of the Bulgarian National Revival - one of the most outstanding epochs in our culture, a time of economic, social and cultural flourishing of Bulgarian nationality within the . The beginning of this process dates back to the middle of the 18th century, marked by Paisii Hilendarski’s ‘Istoriya slavyanobalgarska’ [Slavonic - Bulgarian History] of 1762, and ending with the revolutionary movement and the Liberation of 1878.

In the exhibition, we have Dospevski gathered in one place icons and portraits of the most prominent Revival artists: those of the great Tryavna painters Yoanikiy, Papa Vitan and Simeon Tsonyuv; of the notable Samokovians, including the outstanding oeuvre of the most significant reformer, Zahari Zograph; of Toma Vishanov; the remarkable iconographers from Elena; the academic painters Nikolay Pavlovich, Stanislav Dospevski, Hristo Tsokev, Dimitar Dobrovich; and the painter, revolutionary and fellow-combatant of Vasil Levski, Georgi Danchov.

The CLUB OF THE BULGARIAN PHOTO REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS is located in the underpass next to the Council of Ministers. This is the most unique venue in Sofia, situated at the Eastern Gate of the ancient town of Serdika. The Club has at its disposal a gallery that is placed over layers of history, culture and civilizations going back to the times of the Ancient Roman Empire. The Club organizes exhibitions of original photography which is also available for sale. Moreover, the venue hosts exhibitions of artists, the presentations of poetry collections and books, concerts, café theatre plays, children’s celebrations, charity initiatives. The space provides a café bar where you can conduct meetings as well as send photographs and reports from the events you are reflecting. It is an ideal place to relax in a cosy atmosphere amidst ancient artefacts. Open: Everyday 9:00 a.m / Phone: 0889 63 68 31 40 Useful Numbers Car Rentals

“SHEYNOVO - 75 years of traditions, high 53, Nikola Vaptsarov (map back) professionalism and most contemporary and & 02 439 02 22/ 23 sophisticated medical technologies” fax: 02 439 12 25 19, Sheynovo str. e-mail: [email protected] tel. +3592 965 94 81 Sofia Airport: & 029 459 217 +3592 965 94 82 CENTRAL BUS STATION e-mail:[email protected] 100, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. (map C0) & 0900 21 000 Railway www.centralnaavtogara.bg Central Railway Station Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. (map C0) Medical Services & 02 931 11 11, 02 932 33 33 www.bdz.bg Info Center

TOKUDA HOSPITAL 24 Hours Emergency Response Underpass of St. Kliment Ohridski Univercity of In-patient and out-patient Services Sofia and Metrostation St. Kliment Ohridski 36 Clinics and Departments Open: Mon - Fri 9.30 - 18.00 (winter) Logistical support & 02 491 83 44/ 45 51B “Nikola I. Vaptsarov” Blvd. entrance from “At. Dukov” Str. Tourist Services Call center: 02/ 403 4000 Emergency: 02/ 403 4112 [email protected]

CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER INFORMATION AND APPOINTMENT & 0700 13 127 German and Englisch Speaking Guides [email protected] waiting your call daily from 9 - 19:00 h 127 Okolovrasten pat Street &+359888381235 CANCER CENTER www.kostadin.com INFORMATION AND APPOINTMENT fb/kostadin.borisov.5074 & 0700 13 127 Your Guide & Driver [email protected] Visit some of most beautiful places in Bulgaria! 66A, Tsarigradsko shose Blvd. One day Tours, Tailor made tours and services with licensed tourguide-driver. Take a break from Busy Sofia and book a private tour.Sit back and relax while being chauffereured across the amazingly beautiful Bulgaria.Your private Guide- Driver picks you up from your hotel in Sofia in a chauffeur-driven limousine or a minivan, or a taxi. MHATEM “N.I.Pirogov” Our team of Sofia Exclusive opens you the doors Emergency : 02/ 915 44 11 to discovering Sofia and Bulgaria. 1606 Sofia, 21, Totleben Blvd We are please You! diagnostics, therapy, education and training, scientific research, methodology, emergency EMERGENCY NUMBER - 112 help.