THE SAINT SOFIA BASILICA MUSEUM & CRYPT: ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO SEE IN SOFIA, BULGARIA
I have found that one of the most beautiful parts about traveling is the serendipity of stumbling upon random, unexpected spots that become some of the greatest memories ever.
The ruins of the ancient city and crypt now turned archaeological museum below the Saint Sofia Basilica in Bulgaria’s capital city is one of the greatest examples of that serendipity. I had no idea that this place even existed until I found myself all alone, standing in the middle of it.
An ancient grave in the necropolis painted with a colorful mural from the 4th century.
I don’t know if it was the fact that I was the only one in the place and how the energy felt, or if it is just because of how obsessed I have become with ancient Roman history after visiting all of these countries, but this was my favorite spot in Sofia, and one of my most favorite places that I visited this summer. I cannot recommend this museum enough, seriously. This is a quick little guide to visiting, and all that you should know before you go.
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Modern day Bulgaria sits on some unbelievable ancient history dating back to the Old Stone Age (fun fact: in Kozarnika Cave, human remains dating back over one million years ago were found), and the capital city is built on top of the ancient city of Serdika.
Where the Saint Sofia Basilica now stands, was one a burial ground (a necropolis) in the eastern part of Serdika from the 3rd-5th century.
Some of these graves are painted with these unbelievable murals, including this one, from the 3rd century.
Along with the graves, there are the remains of the three previous churches, and the INSANE tile mosaics that were in those churches. Like insane in every sense of the word. I can’t truly express in words how insane. These ruins and the symbolism found among them are truly a remarkable way to see first hand what early christianity looked like during this time, in this part of the world.
Not only is the ancient, now underground history fascinating-but the modern day Saint Sofia Basilica is crazy as well! The city is even named after the church, and it is one of the oldest in Sofia. Both the interior and exterior are not the most extraordinary, but the history really makes the energy unbelievable and it makes up for anything it is lacking compared to many of the churches around it.
To get to the stairs down to the archaeological level, head to the left hand side when you enter the front entrance of the church. There will be someone sitting down there to give you a ticket, the woman that was working there spoke perfect English and she was so kind.
Admission will cost 5 BGN ($2.75 USD), and the museum is open from 10am-5:30pm everyday, except for Mondays.
MY OTHER FAVORITE RUINS TO SEE IN SOFIA
Don’t let the Saint Sofia Archaeological Museum be the only archaeological complex that you visit in the city, there are some other unbelievable spots around the same area that you must visit.
My favorites include:
Archeological Reserve "Ulpia Serdica" & The ‘Ancient Serdika’ Cultural Complex
Another perfect example of serendipity was stumbling upon the ancient ruins of the city of Serdika and archaeological museum underneath Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd. & the Serdika metro station.
This was the first group of ruins that I saw when I first arrived in Sofia, literally, I just stumbled upon this, and I genuinely had to pause and take a step back…absolute insanity.
The Saint George Rotunda Church
Being the best preserved out of all of these, it isn’t really fair for me to describe the Saint George Rotunda Church as ‘ruins’.
Apparently, this church is the oldest, longest standing building in the city of Sofia.
This church and its walls have seen the days of both Sofia in modern times, Serdika in the days of Ancient Rome, and everything in-between. You can feel the energy while just walking by.
The Ruins Of The Old Baths Beneath The Banya-Bashi Mosque
Just beside the Banya-Bashi Mosque, you will find the ruins of an ancient bath house, as the mosque was built above the ancient history in 1566.
The Medieval Orthodox Temple of St. Petka Samardziska
Another unbelievable historical church in Sofia that blew me away was The Medieval Orthodox Temple of St. Petka Samardziska, right in the center of the city, just below ground level.
This 14th century church also radiates this insane energy, as people just so casually walk by, going about their days.
THINKING OF TRAVELING TO SOFIA? DO IT.
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