active-place
Add a travel place or attraction to the map
active-pinFavourites
active-pin
Journeys

Sofia National Art Gallery

unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection

Nestled in the heart of Sofia, the National Art Gallery stands as Bulgaria's largest and most iconic museum dedicated to fine arts. This cultural gem is housed in the majestic building of the former royal palace, which was declared a cultural monument back in 1978. It's not just about art here; you'll also find the National Ethnographic Museum sharing the same grand space.

The gallery's story began in 1892 with the establishment of the art department at the National Archaeological Museum. Fast forward to 1948, and the National Art Gallery was officially born as an independent institution, thanks to a resolution by the Council of Ministers.

One of the highlights is the exhibition of Orthodox arts, which you'll find in the crypt of the impressive St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This collection spans a vast timeline: from the 4th century, when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, all the way to the Bulgarian Revival in the 18th and 19th centuries. The icons here are simply breathtaking. For those who appreciate more modern art, the gallery boasts an extensive collection of contemporary Bulgarian works. From the end of Ottoman rule in 1878 to the spirited 1990s, you'll discover over 30,000 pieces. These are thoughtfully curated into three main categories: high-quality paintings, stunning graphics, and compelling sculptures. If you ever find yourself wandering the charming streets of Sofia, a visit to this gallery is a must. Not only will you be treated to an artistic journey through time, but you'll also get a peek into Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage.
unLikedLike it
You may also be interested:
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Ivan Vazov National Theater
The “Ivan Vazov” National Theatre stands as Bulgaria’s largest and oldest theatre, and it's nothing short of breathtaking. This iconic venue is a must-see landmark in Sofia, thanks to its central location and stunning architecture. It really commands
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
St. George Rotunda
Nestled in the heart of Sofia, the rotunda church of St. George stands as a timeless testament to ancient history. Built in the early 4th century AD, this remarkable structure dates back to the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. During his
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Holy Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Church, with its towering belfry, stands proudly as an emblem of Bansko. This mountain resort seamlessly blends its storied history and stunning backdrop at the foot of the majestic Pirin Mountain with state-of-the-art amenities. Whe
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Velyans House
Tucked away near the Holy Trinity Church and the bustling central square of Bansko, Velyan's House stands as a captivating relic of the past. This architectural gem, a fortified house from the Bulgarian Revival Period, offers a glimpse into the 18th
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Pirin National Park
Nestled within the breathtaking landscape of Bulgaria, Pirin National Park is a natural wonder that you absolutely must experience. Spanning over 40,000 hectares, this mountain protected area is a treasure trove of biodiversity and stunning scenery.
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Regional Archaeological Museum
The Numismatic Department at the Plovdiv Regional Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove for history buffs and coin enthusiasts alike. With an impressive collection of 60,000 coins dating from the 6th century BC to the 20th century AD, this depart
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Kapana (The Trap)
Just a short stroll away from Main Street in Plovdiv, you might find yourself wandering into "Kapana," which intriguingly translates to "The Trap." And let me tell you, once you're there, leaving is the last thing on your mind. This eclectic neighbor
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Roman Stadium
The Stadium of Philippopolis, a marvel of ancient architecture, was constructed in the early 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Nestled in the northern part of the fortified city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, it rests between the natural lan
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Museum Centre of Modern History
The building first opened its doors as an officers' club back in 1895. From 1905 to 1923, it transformed into the People's Home, a lively hub that hosted a workers' theater, a brass band, and evening classes. Fast forward to 1951, and it became the M
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Archaelogical Complex Nebet Tepe
Have you ever wondered about the origins of Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continually inhabited cities? It's fascinating to learn that this ancient town was founded on what's now known as Nebet Tepe, a hill perched on a plateau in the northern part
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Tsar Simeon
Tsar Simeon's Garden in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, feels like a slice of paradise, and its story is just as enchanting. Designed in 1892 by Lucien Chevalas, a Swiss landscape architect with an eye for beauty, the garden has become a beloved haven for locals
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Regional Ethnographic Museum
The Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, nestled in the heart of Bulgaria, stands as the second largest museum of its kind in the country. This cultural gem is not just a museum; it's a bridge connecting the past with the present through its rich co
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
The Ancient Theatre of Philipoppol
Nestled on the southern slope of the Three Hills in Plovdiv, the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis stands as one of the world's best-preserved ancient theatres. Situated between Taksim and Dzhambaz Tepe, this remarkable relic was unearthed by Plovdiv
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
The Old Town Plovdiv
Nestled in the heart of Plovdiv, the Ancient Plovdiv Architectural and Historical Reserve, fondly referred to as The Old Town, sits atop the Three Hills: Nebet Tepe, Taksim Tepe, and Dzhambaz Tepe. Spanning approximately 35 hectares, this area is a l
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Small Basilica
Nestled to the east and northeast of Philippopolis' Forum, the remnants of early Christian neighborhoods whisper stories of ancient faith. This area, rich with history, was home to several Christian churches, and intriguingly, the ruins of a synagogu
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Skopje Old Bazaar
The Old Bazaar in Skopje, known as Стара Чаршија in Macedonian and Çarshia e Vjetër in Albanian, is a fascinating treasure trove nestled in the heart of the Balkans. It's the largest bazaar in the region outside of Istanbul, sprawled along the easter
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Fortress Kale
Perched majestically atop Skopje's highest point, the Kale Fortress, or simply Kale, is an iconic historic site in Macedonia's capital. This ancient stronghold offers stunning views of the Vardar River and proudly graces the city's coat of arms, whic
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Memorial House of Mother Teresa
On January 30, 2009, a significant tribute was paid to one of Macedonia's most renowned figures and Nobel Prize laureate with the opening of the Mother Teresa Memorial House. This non-profit organization is supported by the Macedonian government, and
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Millennium Cross
Perched atop Vodno Mountain in Skopje, the Millennium Cross (in Macedonian: Милениумски крст, Latinic: Mileniumski krst) stands as a towering 66-meter-high symbol of faith and history. This impressive monument commemorates 2,000 years of Christianity
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
The Nicolae Romanescu Park,
Nicolae Romanescu Park is a genuine green oasis, a delightful escape nestled in the heart of Romania. This park stands proudly as one of the nation's treasured landmarks of landscape architecture. The impressive design, crafted by the talented French
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
The Church of Cosuna Monastery
Nestled in the heart of Craiova, Dolj County, the Cosuna – Bucovatu Vechi Monastery stands as a remarkable testament to history and spiritual devotion. As the oldest religious site in Craiova, its origins date back to 1483. The monastery's church, a
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Art Museum in Craiova
Nestled in the heart of Craiova, the Art Museum calls the grand Jean Mihail Palace its home, a stunning architectural gem from the late 19th century. As you step inside, you're immediately transported to a world where history and creativity unite und
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Matka Canyon
Matka Canyon is like stepping into a time capsule, where the past breathes through a stunning collection of medieval buildings, including ancient churches, monasteries, and the remains of a fortress from the medieval town of Matka. Nestled just 15 ki
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Multimedia Visitor Centre Tsarevgrad Tarnov
Nestled near the iconic Tsarevets Hill, the Multimedia Visitor Centre "Tsarevgrad Tarnov" is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. This captivating spot offers a vivid portrayal of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom through remarkable sculptures and pa
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Veliko Tarnovo Archaeological Museum
Nestled just west of Saedinenie Square, the Archaeological Museum in Veliko Tarnovo offers a captivating glimpse into Bulgaria's rich past. The exhibit, "Veliko Tarnovo – the Capital of Bulgaria XII – XIV c.," highlights the region's thousand-year-ol
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Holy Forty Martyrs Church
The Holy Forty Martyrs Church, a treasure of Bulgarian history, was constructed and adorned with murals on the orders of Tsar Ivan Asen II. This historic site commemorates his triumphant victory over the Epirus Kingdom’s King Theodor Comnenus in 1230
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Tobacco Museum
Nestled in the heart of Greece, the city of Kavala offers a captivating journey through time. In the early 12th century, Kavala was just a small settlement, yet it has a rich history that beckons exploration. By the 19th century, the cultivation of t
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Aqueduct (Kamares)
The Old Aqueduct, also known as the Medieval Aqueduct, is a remarkable relic from the Byzantine era. This stunning structure underwent significant repairs under Ottoman rule, especially during the time of Suleiman the Magnificent around 1530 AD. The
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Imaret
Imaret is a stunning piece of architecture, gifted to his hometown by Mehmet Ali, a notable figure born in Kavala who rose to power as the Ruler of Egypt between 1769 and 1849. Nestled on the western side of the Old City in the charming Panayia distr
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Byzantine Bathhouse
The Byzantine bathhouse, nestled in the heart of Thessaloniki, dates back to the late thirteenth century. This historic gem is a testament to the city's rich past, offering a glimpse into a time when bathing was not just a necessity but a social ritu
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Panaghia (Virgin) Chalkeon Church
The Panaghia Chalkeon, a stunning church dating back to 1028, is a must-see in Thessaloniki. Stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by its intricate design, which is a classic example of the four-columned cross-in-square type. Not far away, the Hosios Da
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
White Tower
Thessaloniki, a city that whispers tales of ancient Greece, is home to a historical site that stands at its heart. This site, rich with ancient significance, forms a central part of the city's cultural landscape. As you stroll through Thessaloniki, y
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Agios Nikolaos
The Church of Agios Nikolaos stands proudly with its eye-catching belfry and intricately carved birdhouses. It's a cherished gathering spot for the locals of the town. The church isn't just a place of worship; it's a symbol of community and tradition
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Ancient Theatre of Ohrid
The ancient theater in Ohrid is a marvel of architectural foresight, nestled right in the heart of the town's elevated old quarter. Its location is no accident: the surrounding hills of Gorni Saraj and Deboj serve as natural barriers, shielding it fr
unLiked
Removed from Unnamed collection
Ohrid Church St. Sophia
The Church of St. Sofia in Ohrid stands out as one of the largest medieval churches in the region, a true gem of historical architecture. For centuries, it served as the cathedral church, also known as the "Great Church," of the Ohrid Archiepiscopate