Скъпи гости на София, добре дошли! Dear Guests of Sofia – Welcome! Радваме се, че сте избрали нашия древен We are delighted that you have chosen to include и модерен град в своето пътуване. През our ancient and modern city in your trip. In the последните години София привлича все повече last years, Sofia has been attracting more and туристи от цял свят с богато си културно- more tourists from all over the world with its rich историческо наследство. София е в топ 3 на cultural and historical heritage. Sofia is among европейските градове с най-висок ръст на the top 3 European cities with the highest growth чуждестранни туристи през периода 2009- in foreign tourists for the 2009 – 2016 period, as 2016 г. според Mastercard “Global Destination reported by Mastercard Global Destination Cities Cities Index. Като домакин на ротационното председателство на Съвета на Европа и Index. As the host of the rotating presidency of Европейска столица на спорта, с близо 200 the Council of the EU and the European capital of събития, тази година градът ни посреща Sport, with close to 200 events, our city welcomes повече гости и туристи. Избирайки нашия even more guests and tourists. Whether choosing град за бизнес или екскурзия, ще можете Sofia for business or leisure, you will have the да се насладите на красиви паркове, древна possibility to enjoy beautiful parks, ancient история, архитектурното разнообразие и history, architectural diversity and the captivation очарованието на града ни. Богата културна of our city. A cultural programme featuring an програма с редица прояви на открито abundance of outdoor experiences also enriches също обогатяват календара от събития в the capital’s events calendar. Together, with lots столицата. С много отговорност, обич и of responsibility, love and attention, we have внимание заедно превръщаме София във все been transforming Sofia into an ever trendier and по-модерена и привлекателна европейска more attractive European destination. I would дестинация. Бих искала да поздравя екипа на like to congratulate the team of Sofia City Guide София Сити Гайд-„полезния пътеводител” – the “useful travel guide” for the capital, on the за столицата, с двадесет и петия юбилей от първото издание през далечната 1993 twenty-fifth anniversary since their first edition година. Всеки месец те отразяват всички in the now distant 1993. Each month the team значими събития от културния и обществен reflects all significant events in the cultural and живот, градски инициативи и фестивали. social life, as well as city initiatives and festivals. Предлагат кратка информация за всички They offer brief information about all sights and забележителности, представят интересни present interesting venues for rest, recreation and места за почивка и развлечения. entertainment. Пожелавам много творчески успехи на екипа I wish lots of creative success to the team of на Сити Инфо Гайдс. City Info Guides! На всички вас, приятен престой в София! To all of you, have a pleasant stay in Sofia!

ЙОРДАНКА ФАНДЪКОВА YORDANKA FANDAKOVA Кмет на София Mayor of Sofia 4 Bulgaria in Brief Sofia City ® Info Guide Publisher: AMATI BULGARIA Ltd.

12 HEALTH & BEAUTY Design: AMATI BULGARIA Ltd. 14 Overview On the Cover: Vodenitzata Restaurant Print: Janet 45 Ltd.

22 Accommodation For Advertising, Bulk Orders and Subscriptions: 28 Restaurants (before 10th of the preceding month, please!) Cell: 0896 717 225 32 NIGHT LIFE E-mail: [email protected] facebook.com/cityinfoguides.bulgaria 36 culture All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior 46 useful Numbers permission. Monthly circulation: 20 000

Dear Guests of Sofia, welcome!

For the last 25 years, our team has been suggesting the most interesting venues and sights for you to visit. We provide information about the cultural life in the capital which allows us to live to its rhythm. We strive to reflect the cultural, social and urban events. We present famous Bulgarians and discuss interesting holidays in the folk calendar of our country. We propose not only accommodation, eateries, entertainment but also healthcare and medical services. We hope your stay will be pleasant and our guides useful and that they will help you to quickly find your bearing. I would like to thank the whole team, working with love and especially our colleague Petar Marinov, who has been an advertising consultant since 1993. We thank all our partners for the successful cooperation which is a recognition of the services we provide. To you, our friends, we wish an enjoyable visit to Sofia. Please write to us and share everything that has made an impression on you. Enjoy your stay and our hospitality!

Lyudmila Mladenova Publisher 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. Bulgaria 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 SoFia 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 Bulgaria in Brief

WELCOME TO BULGARIA Religion: Orthodox Average summer temperatures: 26° to 30°C Welcome to one of the oldest European states Average winter temperatures: -5° to 5°C with 6000-years old gold treasures, a center Time zone: GMT +2 of ancient civilizations, a country that hosts the Country dialing code: 00 359 sanctuary of the mystical singer Orpheus and Internet country code: .bg gave to the Slavonic people the Cyrillic alphabet. Capital: Sofia Bulgaria is the only one country in Europe Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN) that hasn’t changed its name since it was first established. The Bulgarian army has never lost a single flag in battle. The flag of Bulgaria is a HISTORY tricolor consisting of three equal-sized horizontal The Bulgarian state was founded circa 681 as bands of (from top to the bottom) white, green a union of the new-settled Proto-Bulgarians, of and red. It was first adopted after Russo-Turkish seven Slavonic tribes who have already settled War (1877-1878), where Bulgaria regained inde- this territory and with the inclusion of some pendence. The current flag was re-established smaller ethnical groups (Thracians and others). with the 1991 Constitution of Bulgaria. The state was ruled by its founder Khan Asparuh, the leader of the proto-Bulgarians and the first Bulgarian capital was Pliska. The Thracians were a tribal society who inhabited a vast area in Central and Southeastern Europe. They were well-known in the Ancient world for making filigree gold and silver jewelry. The great Homer described in his masterpiece Iliad a Thracian king, having “the biggest and the most handsome horses I have ever seen, /whiter than snow and swifter than the winds/and a chariot Coat of arms of Bulgaria finely wrought with silver and gold.” Important & significant events 681 – The Bulgarian state acquired political recognition from the Byzantine Empire.

718 – The Bulgarian Khan Tervel has stopped the Arabic invasion to European continent. 855 – The Cyrillic alphabet by the brothers Cyril and Methodius. It corresponded perfectly to the phonetic riches and needs of the Slavonic- Bulgarian language. As of today more than 250 million people in Europe and Asia use the Cyrillic alphabet for their national languages. Details Armiger - Republic of Bulgaria 864 – During his rule Knyaz Boris I converted the Adopted - 1997 state to Orthodox Christianity. Crest - Crown of theSecond Bulgarian Empire Escutcheon - Gules, a lion rampant crowned 893-927 – During the Golden Age of Tzar Simeon Supporters - Two lions rampant crowned The Greatest the First Bulgarian State stretched Compartment - Two crossed oak branches gradually from Transylvania in the north, to the with fruits Aegean Sea in the south, from the Black Sea in Motto - Съединението прави силата the east and to the Adriatic Sea in the west. At this time Bulgaria gradually reached its cultural “Saedinenieto pravi silata” and territorial apogee, when it developed into “Unity makes strength” the cultural and literary center of Slavic Europe, as well as becoming one of the largest states FACTS & FIGURES in Europe. Population: 7 364 570 Area: 110 993 sq. km 1018 – The Bulgarian army fell to Byzantines and Language: Bulgarian after that the Bulgaria State had been conquered Bulgaria in Brief 5 6 Bulgaria in Brief by the Emperor Vassileios II. Borders through the centuries 1185 – The Second Bulgarian State was estab- Bulgaria has expanded twice its borders to the lished at Veliko Tarnovo, reinstated the borders shores of Black, Aegean and Adriatic seas. of the First Bulgarian Kingdom and a sec- Bulgarian Empire is a term used to describe ond Golden Age began during which Bulgaria two periods in the medieval history of Bulgaria, expanded its borders to the shores of Black, during which it acted as a key regional power in Aegean and Adriatic seas. Europe in particular, often rivaling Byzantium. Here is the picture of Bulgarian borders in our 1396-1878 – The country was under the rule of days. the Ottoman Empire.

1878 – Liberation from the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Establishment of the Third Bulgarian State.

1878-1879 – As the result of the Treaty of Berlin, the Bulgarian State was divided in two territories. An autonomous Principality of Bulgaria was cre- ated, between the Danube and the Stara Planina range, with its seat at the old Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo, and including Sofia. An autono- For more info, look for Varna, mous Ottoman province under the name of Burgas and Plovdiv City Info Guides Eastern Rumelia was created south of the Stara WWW.CITYINFOGUIDES.COM Planina range, whereas Macedonia was returned under the sovereignty of the Sultan. CITY INFO 06.09.1885 – The establishment of the GUIDES Independence of Bulgaria. On that date Eastern .com Rumelia rejects the rule of Sultan and announced that joined the Principality of Bulgaria. Two days later, the Prince Alexander Battenberg First Unesco Heritage signed a manifesto to approve the accession of the field and taken to be titled as a future prince The UNESCO List of World Heritage now fea- of Northern and Southern Bulgaria. tures over 300 landmarks in our country. Nine Bulgarian wonders - seven cultural and two 1944 – The After Communist Party, led by natural sites – are included among them: Rila Georgi Dimitrov, took the power as a result of Monastery, Nessebar, The Kazanluk Tomb, The almost bloodless coup d’état and proclaimed Sveshtari Tomb, The Madara Horseman, The Bulgaria for a “People’s Republic” in 1946 after Boyana Church, The Ivanovo Rock Monasteries, a controversial referendum. Pirin National Park, Sreburna Lake. National Holidays 10.11.1989 – The Communist regime ended when Bulgaria peacefully ousted the Communist 1 January – New Year’s Day Party leader Todor Zhivkov. 3 March – National Holiday /The liberation of the Bulgarian land from the Ottoman Empire is 1989 – The establishment of a multi-party celebrated on this day/ system and the begging of the Bulgaria’s democ- 1 May – Labour and International Worker’s & ratization. Solidarity Day 6 May – St. George’s Day (Gergyovden) and the Garden 12.07.1991 – The new Constitution of the Bulgarian Army’s Day Republic of Bulgaria was adopted and it pro- 24 May – Bulgarian Education, Culture and claimed the country as a parliamentary republic. Cyrillic Alphabet Day 6 September – Unification Day 29.03.2004 – Bulgaria joined NATO. 22 September – Independence Day 1 November – Day of the Bulgarian Enlighteners 01.01.2007 – The country became a member of (Holiday for all educational institutions) the European Union. 24 December - Christmas Eve 25, 26 December – Christmas Days Bulgaria in Brief 7

& Garden 8 Bulgaria in Brief

Monthly Holidays April starts awash in colours, flowers and festivities This year, the month of April starts awash in colours, flowers and festivities. On April 1, following an old tradition, we celebrate Palm Sunday which in Bulgarian is called either Tsvetnitsa (Flower Sunday) or Vrabnitsa (Willow Sunday). This is a moving holiday taking place the Sunday before Easter. Willow branches and wreaths blessed at the ceremonial church liturgy and thus endowed with miraculous healing and protective powers are taken home. According to the local beliefs, they can be used throughout the year as a potent magic against diseases and harmful forces. There is an interesting custom kumichene associated with this feast flower has been immersed. This flower is involving the maidens. The girls who took part speedwell (veronica officinalis) and its Bulgarian in the lazaruvane custom the day before go to name is velikdenche, or Easter flower. Great the river and drop their wreaths made of flowers Thursday (April 5) is the day devoted to dying and pieces of ritual bread in the water and read and decorating hard-boiled eggs. Early in the their fortunes regarding their future marriages. morning, before sunrise, the women dye red the Palm Sunday is the day when people with a first egg laid for the day. While the egg is still name denoting a flower, a plant or a tree have warm, they use the egg to rub the faces of their a personal feast - their name day. The whole children for health. This first red egg is placed in subsequent week is particularly important from front of the icon in the home prayer corner and the standpoint of the traditional Bulgarian ritual is kept there until the next Great Thursday. There culture. The week passing in preparation for exist numerous beliefs related to the protective Easter, or Velikden (“great day” in Bulgarian), power of the red eggs. in the past, they have is called Passion week or Great week. The been used as a magic barrier against the evil. whole festive period is marked by a prohibition They were added to the dowry of future brides, to carry out work around the house or in the buried into fields to protect the forthcoming fields. One should not knit, sew or plough. The harvest and also the beautiful girls used to carry most revered days are Wednesday, Thursday, them in their bosoms to protect themselves Friday and Saturday. On Great Wednesday against the evil eye. In the past, this day was (April 4), the maidens and children wash their associated with yet another crucial ritual – faces for beauty using water in which a special renewing the leavening for the bread. Great Bulgaria in Brief 9

Thursday was the day when the dough for the plaza. Finally, after the long Lent, people can Easter bread was leavened. Traditionally, there join in the wreathing and spirited horo dance. is the belief that at midnight on Great Thursday Musicians demonstrate their skills and cheerful “heaven opens up” and the souls of our departed songs can be heard everywhere. Children, relatives descend to earth in the shape of midges maidens and the young brides swing on swings and buzz amidst the blossoms of the apple trees. tied to the high branches of centuries-old trees. In north-western Bulgaria, it is customary during Easter, within its meaning of a most important this night to light bonfires near to the cemetery holiday, illuminates each year the homes of using elder wood to create light and warmth. the Bulgarian Christian families and this is the This ritual is called “warming up the souls”. main reason why the celebrations continue the Great Friday or Crucifixion Friday (April 6) is entire following week which traditionally is called the day when according to the Christian religion Light or Empty or Tomina week. The second the son of God Jesus Christ was crucified to day of Easter is known as Rolling Monday redeem the sins of people. This day requires (April 9) based on the name of the custom of an absolutely strict fast whereby one is not egg rolling. The maidens and young unmarried even supposed to drink water. At the end of the men go to a meadow, split into two groups Passion week, on the All Souls’ Saturday (April and roll eggs between each group. On Light 7), the women go to the cemetery and exchange Wednesday (April 11), the maidens in western red dyed eggs and ceremonial breads with one Bulgaria dance a Ladino horo, while those in another for the souls of the dearly departed. This the Strandzha mountains perform another very is also the day to knead and bake the ceremonial intriguing custom called Mara Lishanka. The breads richly decorated with eggs. Nowadays, maidens use their slippers to construct a doll these ritual breads have been replaced with and richly decorate it with their jewellery. This the so called kozunak - a plaited, sweet, milk doll is at the heart of a ritual involving songs and egg-based bread. The Easter celebrations and walking around the village to provide for last three days and this year they start on rain and fertility. The Friday of the Light Week in April 8. On Easter Sunday, after the solemn the Thracian lowlands is named Summer Saint mass in the church, the families gather for a Petka. The feast passes in visits to funfairs rich festive meal. The holiday tradition dictates with lively horo dances and cheerful songs. The that the younger families visit their parents Easter celebration cycle finishes with the Tomina and the godparents of their children. This also week when in the past there was a second dying comes with the exchange of decorated eggs of eggs in red, yet these eggs were given away and Easter loaves. Children and adults knock in commemoration of the souls of the departed one another’s egg for health as it is believed relatives. In the Bulgarian folk calendar, the first that the person with the sturdiest egg will be Monday after the Tomina week is Sofinden or fortunate throughout the year. The eggshells are Minor Easter. According to the folk beliefs, this buried into the soil for fertile fields and abundant is a bad day and it comes with strict prohibition harvests during the year. All three festive days to do any work. come with community-wide fun on the central Author Anelia Ovnarska-Milusheva 10 Bulgaria in Brief

Alphabet Аа a (as in cat) Пп p (as in pot) Бб b (as in bus) Рр r (as in red) Вв v (as in very) Сс s (as in sit) Гг g (as in good) Тт t (as in tree) Дд d (as in dog) Уу u (as in yule) Ее e (as in egg) Фф f (as in foot) Жж zh (like’s‘ in leisure) Хх h (like ’ch‘ in Bach) Зз z (as in zoo) Цц ts (as in puts) Ии i (as in instant) Чч ch (as in check) Йй y (as in young) Шш sh (as in shut) Кк k (as in kick) Щщ sht (like ’shed‘ in pushed) Лл l (as in love) Ъъ a (like ’u‘ in but) Мм m (as in marry) Ьь (consonant soften ing sign) Нн n (as in no) Юю yu (like you) Оо o (as in hot) Яя ya (as in yank)

Months January januari April april July yuli October oktomvri February fevruari May may August avgust November noemvri March mart June yuni September septemvri December dekemvri

Week Days

Monday ponedelnik Wednesday sryada Friday petak Tuesday vtornik Thursday chetvartak Saturday sabota Sunday nedelya

Numbers

1 edno 12 dvanadeset 53 petdeset i tri 2 dve 13 trinadeset 64 shestdeset i chetiri 3 tri 14 chetirinadeset 75 sedemdeset i pet 4 chetiri 15 petnadeset 86 osemdeset i shest 5 pet 16 shestnadeset 97 devetdeset i sedem 6 shest 17 sedemnadeset 100 sto 7 sedem 18 osemnadeset 1,000 hilyada 8 osem 19 devetnadeset 10,000 deset hilyadi 9 devet 20 dvadeset 100,000 sto hilyadi 10 deset 31 trideset i edno 1,000,000 edin milion 11 edinadeset 42 chetirideset i dve Bulgaria in Brief 11

BULGARIAN SPOKEN ENGLISH Поздрави Pozdravi Greetings

Добро утро [Do’bro ‘utro] Good morning Добър ден [‘Dobar ‘den] Good day Добър вечер [‘Dobar ‘vecher] Good evening Здравейте [Zdra’veite] Hallo Как сте? [‘Kak ste?] How are you? Добре [Do’bre] Good Аз съм добре [‘Az sam do’bre] I’m all right Благодаря [Blagoda’rya] Thank you Извинявайте [Izvi’nyavaite] Excuse me Как се казвате? [‘Kak se ‘kazvate?] What’s your name? Къде се намира...? [Ka’de se na’mira] Where is ...?

Местоположение Mestopolozhenie Getting Around

... улица/булевард [‘ulitsa/bule’vard ...] ...Street/Boulevard ... площад/паметник [plosh’tad/’pametnik] ... Square/Monument ... пощата/летището [‘poshtata/le’tishteto] ... the post/the airport ... ресторант [resto’rant ...] ... restaurant ...... пазара/аптеката [pa’zara/ap’tekata] ... the market/pharmacy ... хотел [ho’tel ...] ... hotel ...... гарата/автогарата [‘garata/’avto’garata] ... the station/the bus station магазин [maga’zin] shop спирка [‘spirka] bus/tram stop първата/втората [‘parvata/’vtorata the first/second пресечка pre’sechka] intersection...... наляво [na’lyavo] ... on the left ... надясно [na’dyasno] ... on the right ... направо [na’pravo] ... straight ahead

Пазаруване Pazaruvane Shopping Колко струва това? [‘Kolko ‘struva to’va?] How much does this cost? Къде мога да купя?... [Ka’de ‘moga da ‘kupya?] Where can I buy?... дрехи [‘drehi] clothes обувки [o’buvki] shoes храна [hra’na] food цигари [tsi’gari] cigarettes подаръци [po’daratsi] presents евтино [‘evtino] cheap скъпо [‘skapo] expensive

Храна и напитки Hrana i napitki Eating & Drinking Имате ли меню на [‘Imate li me’nyu na Do you have a menu in английски? ang’liiski?] English? предястия [pre’dyastiya] starters основни ястия [os’novni ‘yastiya] main courses десерт [de’sert] dessert вегетариански [vegeta’rianski] vegetarian пиле [‘pile] chicken риба [‘riba] fish свинско [‘svinsko] pork телешко [‘teleshko] veal / beef картофи [kar’tofi] potatoes ориз [o’riz] rice kафе [ka’fe] coffee чай [‘chai] tea горещо [go’reshto] hot (temp) бира [‘bira] bier бяло вино [‘byalo ‘vino] white wine червено вино [cher’veno ‘vino] red wine вода [vo’da] water Сметката, ако обичате. [‘Smetkata, a’ko o’bichate.] Can we have the bill, please? 12 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. HEALTH & BEAUTY 13 14 overview This spring Sofia will introduce a retro-tram and night bus services

History Presents the Future - a campaign of Stolichen Elektrotransport dedicated to the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, was launched on March 1. Every Thursday (till the end of June) a retro tram departs from Vazrazhdane Square at 4 pm and 5 pm and goes to Ivan Vazov Quarter. The streetcar travels in both directions (Vazrazhdane Square - Ivan Vazov Quarter and back) stopping at all existing stops. All passengers travel for free and receive a map of the electric transport routes in Sofia. The map also contains information on electric transport – history, evolution, plans for future development, etc. Various events are supposed to take place during each retro trip. On April 26, 2018 a fashion collection of students from New Bulgarian University will be displayed in a fashion installation. You can find out more information about this initiative, the route and the programme for each week on the company’s website and on the Facebook page: https://www.fcebook.com/retrotramSofia/ overview 15

Experimental night bus services in Sofia

Like most big European cities, the Bulgarian capital will introduce night bus services which will begin to operate on April 7, 2018. From midnight to 4 am bus lines N1, N2, N3 and N4 will travel around the city and connect all quarters. All buses will stop at Knyaz Alexander I Square. Bus line N1 will travel from Lyulin 1,2 Quarter to Mladost 4 Quarter Bus line N2 – Obelya Quarter – Studentski Grad Quarter Bus line N3 – Ovcha Kupel 2 Quarter – Levski Quarter (Iztok Bus Station) Bus line N4 – Druzhba 2 Quarter – Gotse Delchev Quarter The night pass for all lines will be BGN 2 and it will be purchased from conductors on the buses. The public service vehicles that will travel during the night will have special signs and their stops will be branded. The buses will skip stops where there are no people waiting. They will operate every 40 minutes and at Knyaz Alexander I Square passengers will have 5 minutes to switch buses. Maps with the new routes can be obtained from all ticket booths. 16 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-Bulgarians 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 17 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. 18 overview

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 19

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 Plovdiv). 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. 20 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

1 6

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

3 8

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

4 9

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 21

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 22 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 23

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. 24 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 25

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.dir.bg 132, Mimi Balkanska Str. h 46 map back & +35929444488 Public Transport: Room rates: EURO 15 (Suites: EURO 45) 14 rooms and 3 suites. The Amphora fam- fax:+35929444488 Bus 84 ily hotel offers you the opportunity to combine e-mail: [email protected] 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. on foot from the public transportation. At the utes driving to Megapark, European Trade Center, hotel a guarded parking lot is also available. Interexpo Center and Arena Armeets hall. It is 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 &/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. 26 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 cell: 0879 846 376 Tm-6; Tb-1, 2, 5, 8, 9 16, Neofit Rilski Str. h 30 map B4 e-mail: [email protected] Metro & 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. ing, separate bath-room, cable TV, Wi-Fi, refrig- All rooms offer free of charge Internet accesses, erator. Equipped with telephone, air-conditioning, cable T.V., direct telephone line, kitchenette (coffee, cable TV, central heating, free internet access. tea making facilities), room service, air-conditioning, rooms, wireless internet, cable TV, air-conditioning. own heating. BBQ restaurant-garden with authentic 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 27

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, of 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 28 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 29

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 30 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 31

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 32 Bulgaria in Brief Bulgaria in Brief 33 34 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 35 36 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 “They risked their lives - Poles who saved Jews during the Holocaust” 15 March – 7 May 2018 18 exhibition panels depicting faces, stories, and emotions of both the Righteous Among the Nations Poles and those who they saved. Using their biographies and stories the exhibition shows the measure of human grandness, sacrifice, and unmeasurable kindness, as well as the extent of human capacity for evil, at a time of war and genocide. It also sketches out activities of the Polish Underground, Polish Government-in- Exile, and clergy as well as laymen. The exhibition was made available thanks to the invaluable collection of over 400 interviews with the last living Righteous Among the Nations in Poland, conducted in the years 2007-2013 as part of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews POLIN project Righteous Poles – Recalling Forgotten History. CULTURE 37

Culture Centers - Programme

3rd edition of the Project “Poetry in the Subway 2018” From 26.03 to 6.05.2018 in the wagons of the Sofia metro and the National Palace of Culture metro station, read the poems from 12 EUNIC Cluster Bulgaria and Associated Institutions as well as the Bulgarian poem. The initiative initiated by the Polish Institute in Sofia and the Literary Journal project will be officially presented on April 10, 2018 (13.00, National Palace of Culture Metro Station, exit to the National Palace of Culture) by Prof. Amelia Licheva, Poetess, Literature, Chief editor of the Literary Journal and Yaroslav Godun, director of the Polish Institute. 38 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 19th, 28th - hangmen ► 23A Yanko Sakazov Blvd. 20th - FRANKENSTEIN ► phone.: +359 2 944 24 85 / +359 878 92 75 21 24th - MARRIAGE ► www.sofiatheatre.eu 26th - The Hunchback of Notre-DamE ►

FOR ADULTS - THE PLAYS BEGIN AT 19:00 CHAMBER HALL GRAND HALL 1st - INVITATION FOR DINNER 3rd, 22nd - THE MINISTER’S WIFE 15th - APPETITE FOR CHERRIES 4th - THE NIGHT OF JANUARY 16TH 5th, 17th - TIRAMISU ► FOR CHILDREN - THE PLAYS BEGIN AT 11:00; 10th, 21st, 24th - ALONSO ► 17:00, GRAND HALL 11th, 25th - ANNA KARENINA ► 1st, 28th, 11:00 - PETER PAN ► 12th, 29th - OLD SAYBROOK & LAST OF THE 14th, 11:00 - THE LITTLE MERMAID RED HOT LOVERS ► 14th, 15th - mary poppins 13th, 27th - hookup 15tht, 29th, 11:00 - Pippi 18th - The Government Inspector 22nd, 11:00 - RONIA THE ROBBER’S DAUGHTER CULTURE 39

Theatre Bulgarian Army

98, Rakovski Str. www.tba.art.bg & 02 987 23 03 facebook.com/armytheatre

24th - Shoot the artist 2nd - OTELO 26th - SALOME 3th - TARTUFFE 27th - THE LEGACY OF A CHASTE WOMANIZER 4th - THE IRON CRESSET 28th - SCISSORS KILLER 5th - THE LEGACY OF A CHASTE WOMANIZER 30th - THE LAST SUPPER OF LEVSKI DEACON 10th - THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST 11th, 25th - ALBENA Scene MIRACLE – 19:30 12th - Working time 5th, 17th, 25th - After the Rehearsal 13th, 29th - comedy in the dark 11th, 19th, 28th - ONE NIGHT WITH YOU 14th - SCHWEIK 13th, 24th - After the Rehearsal 15th - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 18th - EMMIGRANTS 16th - The Disconnected Family 26th - The woman from the sea 17th - One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 18th - Mihail Mishkoed Club Scene – 19:30 19th - arson and robbery 1st - detective 20th - mr.lady killer 12th, 27th - UNCURTAIN 22nd - every Wednesday from 17 till 19 14th, 20th, 29th - JAN AND BEATHRIS 23rd - THE UNIVERSAL EDUCATION 24th - LETTER TO KASSANDRA

National academy for theatre and film arts Krastyo Sarafov SCENE A202 – 19:00 5th, 19th - Evening class by Prof.Stefan Danailov SCENE A 203 – 19:00 14th - Evening class by Penko Gospodinov

108 A, G. S. Rakovski Str. PUPPET TRAINING THEATRE – SCENE B24 & 02 9231 303 4th, 13th, 19:00 - on the road www.natfiz.bg 17th, 19:00 - CHEHOV GRAND HALL – 19:00 21st, 11:00 - TROPALAN the ghoul 3rd, 19th - Antichrist superstar 25th, 19:00 - THEATRICAL CONCERT 11th, 20th- nose 12th, 18th, 26th - A Midsummer Night’s Dream 28th, 29th - 36 hours theatre and cinema marathon SCENE 47 – 19:30 3rd, 24th - ORIENT EXPRESS 4th - musical evening ORIENT EXPRESS 10th, 21st - Black hole 11th, 17th, 26th - PAPAS IN MOTION 12th, 25th - New land 13th, 27th - KUM LISAN 14th - ABOUT LOVE AND OTHER DEMONS 28th, 29th - 36 hours theatre and cinema marathon SCENE A 405 – 19:00 5th - Evening class by Prof. P.Markov Antichrist superstar 40 CULTURE

Sofia Opera and Ballet

1, Vrabcha Str. & 02 987 13 66 www.operasofia.bg April 2018 1st, Sunday, 11:00 14th Saturday, 11:00 ; 22nd Sunday, 11:00 The three piggies- performance for children by The Sleeping Beauty - Ballet – Performance Alexandar Raychev for children by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

1st Sunday, 11:00; 13th Friday, 11:00; 14th 15th Sunday, 11:00; 21st Saturday, 11:00 Saturday, 11:00; 15th Sunday, 11:00 Cinderella – Ballet performance for children 20th Friday, 11:00; 21st Saturday, 11:00; 22nd by Sergei Prokofiev Sunday, 11:00; 29th Sunday , 11:00 Concerts for babies 20th Friday, 10:00; 29th Sunday The Magic Flute for children – Opera by 1st Sunday, 16:00 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Bayaderka- Ballet by Ludwig Minkus 27th Friday 5th Thursday, 19:00 Prince Igor – Opera by Alexander Borodin Zorba the Greek - Ballet by Mikis Theodorakis 29th Sunday, 16:00 11th Wednesday Le Corsaire – Ballet by Adolphe Adam Don Quixote - Visiting Plovdiv – ballet by Ludwig Minkus

National Music & Ballet Center - Sofia

100, Vasil Levski Blvd. 1st, 17:00 - Smehoterapia & 02 943 19 79 5th, 21st, 19:00 - THE CSARDAS QUEEN www.musictheatre.bg 11th, 19:00 - Hair www.arabesque.bg 13th, 19:00 - Charley’s Aunt 14th, 19:00 - Countess Maritza 27th, 28th, 19:00 - Bulgarians from the old 15th, 11:00 - Yan Bibiyan time Premiere 15th, 17:00 - THE CSARDAS QUEEN 29th, 11:00 - Sharl the cat 18th, 19:00 - Orpheus in hell Ballet Arabesque 19th, 19:00 - The Gypsy Baron 14th, 11:00 - Cindarella 20th, 19:00 - one night in Venice 29th, 17:00 - ‘Antistatic’ presents the young 22nd, 11:00 - golden cockerel choreographers of Arabesque CULTURE 41

photo exhibition “COLORFULL Sofia”

OPENING 16.04.2018 - 18.30 CLUB OF THE BULGARIAN PHOTO REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS AUTHORS Assen Velikov, Jordan Simeonov

25th anniversary SOFIA CITY GUIDE 42 CULTURE

3, Lege Str. (map C3) cell: 0894 341 724 www.artgalleryeurope.eu [email protected] Mon – Sat: 11.00 - 19.00

We present in April: Exposition by Polina Gerdjikova and exposition by 50 contemporary Bulgarian artists.

Evdokia Art Glass 120, G.S.Rakovski Blvd. Phone: +359 887 959 872; +359 899 940 572 Facebook: evdokiaartglass Evdokia Art Glass - space united painting and art of glass and porcelain. In April at the Evdokia Art Glass Gallery you will be able to see works by various authors in the artistic glass: 27.03 - 22.04 - solo exhibition by Bobby Korudzhikov - art glass 24.04 - 13.05 - solo exhibition by Evdokia Maneva - painting CULTURE 43 Classica Gallery [email protected] 32, Yuriy Venelin Str. (map E5) Mon – Fri: 11:00 – 18:00 & 0894 70 20 90 Saturday and Sunday: Reservation required by phone

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 44 CULTURE

Sofia City Art Gallery 1, Gen. Gurko str., Sofia (entrance from the side of Kniaz Al. Batenberg str.) tel. 02/ 9872181, 981 26 06; www.sghg.bg Gallery hours: Monday: closed Tues.-Sat: 10.00 – 19.00 Sun: 11.00- 18.00

MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY MORE THAN 40 PHOTOGRAPHIES OF MERI ELAN MARK WILL BE PRESENTET IN SOFIA The 136th Independent Exhibition of one of the most respected and influential women in the history of contemporary photography, Mary Ellen Mark, will be shown by Master of Photography at the Sofia Art Gallery between March 27th and April 22nd.

Ilindentsi Art Zone (20th of March -till 15th of April 2018) In 1998 several friends supported the idea by Ivan Roussev to create a sculpture park in the village of Ilindentsi and founded the Art Center Ilindentsi Foundation. The exhibition presents sculptural works and paintings by authors who have participated in the previous events, among them Angel Stanev, Ani Pokrovsky, Valentin Starchev, Dinko Stoev, Dolores Dilova, Emil Popov, Ivaylo Avramov, Ivaylo Mirchev, Ivan Rusev, Kalina Taseva, Kiril Meskin, Lyuben Genov, Milko Bozhkov, Monika Popova, Nina Ruseva, Svetlin Rusev, Svilen Blazev, Stefan Lyutakov, Stoyan Tsanev. The project is implemented with the support of the Culture Program of Sofia Municipality. CULTURE 45 Art Shops 4, Vitosha Blvd., Sofia Mon.-Sun.: 10.30-20.30 Phone: +359 879 947022 www.balkansko-shops.bg Email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/balkansko

Knyaz Aleksander I Sq. 1000 Sofia The shop is situated in the former royal palace in the heart of Sofia. Phone: +359884550610 Working hours: 09:00-18:00

With lots of devotion and love we collect the best of Bulgarian handicrafts! You will find here Bulgarian traditional souvenirs and cosmetics, silver filigree, music, paintings, icons, sweets and beverages. Welcome to Balkansko – Tradition & Spirit!

Elephant Bookstore 31 “Tsar Ivan Shishman” st. +359 88 642 0954 Open: EVERY DAY 10:00 - 22:00 Elephant Bookstore is a most exciting indie gift shop in Sofia. Adorable gifts and coolest trends from Britain to Japan, signed and limited memorabilia, vintage magazines & comics, second hand books and the greatest staff ever! 46 Useful Numbers

Airline Companies Car Rentals For flight information: www.sofia-airport.bg Located 10 km (6 miles) east of the city centre, the busy two-terminal airport is linked to the most of the world capitals. The bright, modern and smoke-free Sofia 53, Nikola Vaptsarov (map back) Airport has the capacity to serve 2.5 million & 02 439 02 22/ 23 passengers. The new “Terminal 2” building fax: 02 439 12 25 is designed with special attention to disabled e-mail: [email protected] passengers. A large parking lot is located Sofia Airport: & 029 459 217 in front of the old terminal building. A new multi-level parking garage providing 820 CENTRAL BUS STATION parking spaces is linked to the departures 100, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. (map C0) area of the new passenger terminal. The & 0900 21 000 car parks are open non-stop and parking www.centralnaavtogara.bg fee is 2 to 3 leva per hour. Avoid taking airport taxis other than “O.K. Supertrans”, Diplomatic Missions which provides services to the city centre for BGN 10/ Euro 5. The regular N84 bus Austria line covers the route Sofia Airport–Sofia 4, Shipka Str. - & 02 932 90 32 University. You can also get on the subway. www.bmeia.gv.at/botschaft/sofia Sofia Metro Line 1 connects Sofia Airport Canadian Honorary Consulate to many central locations and provides 7, Pozitano Str. - & 02 969 97 10 many other connections through the city. e-mail: [email protected] If you switch trains from Line 1 to Line 2 at France Serdika Metro Station, you can travel to the 29, Oborishte Str. - & 02 965 1100 Sofia Central Bus Station and Sofia Central [email protected] Railway Station. The metro system is work- [email protected] ing from 05.30 am until the midnight hours Germany on working days and weekends/holidays. 25, Fr. Joliot-Curie Str. - & 02 918 38 00 The metro station at Sofia Airport is located www.sofia.diplo.de in the eastern part of Terminal 2, for easy access follow the blue marking lines on the Italy floor at the public area at the Terminal 2. If 2, Shipka Str. - & 359 2 921 73 00 your flight arrives at Terminal 1 you can take [email protected] the free-of-charge shuffle bus between the Japan two terminal buildings. 14, Lyuliakova gradina Str. - &+359 971-2708 [email protected] Mon.-Fri.08:30 -12:30 ;13:30- 17:15 Netherlands & 02 402 04 00 15, Oborishte Str. - & 02 816 03 00 www.netherlandsembassy.bg e-mail: [email protected] For sales and reservations: Russia & 02 402 04 05, 02 402 04 06 33, Dragan Tsankov Blvd. &+359 2 963 09 14 e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Internet reservation: 02 402 04 61 www.russia.bg e-mail: [email protected] Emergency: +3592 963 44 58 www.air.bg Spain 27, Sheinovo Str. & +359 2 943 35 40 Info Center [email protected] Switzerland 33, Chipka Str. &+359 2 942 01 00 [email protected] Underpass of St. Kliment Ohridski Univercity of www.eda.admin.ch/sofia Sofia and Metrostation St. Kliment Ohridski United States of America Open: Mon - Fri 9.30 - 18.00 (winter) 16, Kozyak Str. - & 02 937 51 00 & 02 491 83 44/ 45 www.usembassy.bg Useful Numbers 47

Medical Services Postal Services Central post station 6, Gen. Y.V. Gurko Str. (7.00h - 20.30h) Main postal rates: small letters - 0.60lv. (For BG) Package (parcels) 0-1kg - 2.15lv. (For BG), 23.70 - 46.90lv.(for EU) to 5kg - 3lv.(For TOKUDA HOSPITAL BG), 43.20-179.90lv.(For EU). 24 Hours Emergency Response In-patient and out-patient Services 36 Clinics and Departments Logistical support Public Transport 51B “Nikola I. Vaptsarov” Blvd. Sofia offers cheap and extensive public entrance from “At. Dukov” Str. transport. Call center: 02/ 403 4000 There are trams, buses, and trolley buses as Emergency: 02/ 403 4112 well as 2 lines of the city subway which cov- [email protected] ers most parts of the city (Please see map for details!). There is also a fleet of privately CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER run “Marsh-route taxis”, which covers more INFORMATION AND APPOINTMENT obscure routes. (Ticket price 1.50 lv. Pay the & 0700 13 127 driver as you get on and ask for your receipt.) [email protected] Public transport runs daily approximately 127 Okolovrasten pat Street from 5.30 till 23.00. The tickets for all kinds of Sofia public trans- CANCER CENTER port cost 1.60 BGN for a single trip. Travel INFORMATION AND APPOINTMENT cards: One day, all lines – 4.00 leva; One & 0700 13 127 month, all lines – 50.00 leva. [email protected] Single trip tickets are sold at kiosks and 66A, Tsarigradsko shose Blvd. newspaper stands at the major stops or by the driver of the vehicle. You have to check them inside the vehicle (Look for the metal punch on the walls of the vehicle. The punch- ers are mostly painted in orange). If you wish to transfer, you must use another single trip ticket. If your luggage exceeds the size 60x40x40 you have to punch a MHATEM “N.I.Pirogov” second ticket. The same rule applies if you Emergency : 02/ 915 44 11 travel together with your pet. Tickets are inspected at random by conductors. The fine 1606 Sofia, 21, Totleben Blvd is 20.00 leva. diagnostics, therapy, education and training, scientific research, methodology, emergency help. The Embassy the country you came from may Railway be able to refer you to a doctor who speaks your language. The Accident and Emergency Hospital for Central Railway Station Sofia is the Pirogov hospital at 21, Gen. Totleben Blvd. Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. (map C0) & 02 931 11 11, 02 932 33 33 www.bdz.bg

Taxi All legal and registered taxi cabs must be “SHEYNOVO - 75 years of traditions, high yellow and operated by meter. Rates per km professionalism and most contemporary and are between 0.79 – 0.96 leva. Any starting sophisticated medical technologies” and call-out charges must be displayed on 19, Sheynovo str. the back side windows according to the law. tel. +3592 965 94 81 +3592 965 94 82 e-mail:[email protected] EMERGENCY NUMBER - 112 48 overview

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 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 Coop Hotel Sofia 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 Grami Hotel 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, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, USA