5. “Ivan Vazov“ National Theater
We can't miss this place on the list. The National Theater is, perhaps, one of the most popular places for photos, as it combines aristocratic sophistication, street note, and bohemian artistry. Here everyone can find their ideal object of inspiration.
![National Theater "Ivan Vazov"](https://sofiacheap.com/p/n/a/national-theater-ivan-vazov-67-1140x0.jpg.pagespeed.ce.gZOEOYJIVX.jpg)
National Theater "Ivan Vazov"
© Alexander Savov, Bulphoto4. The “St. George” Rotunda
The rotunda, which is now in the courtyard of the Presidency, was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great. It is a cylindrical domed building on a square base. It was originally used for public purposes, but after the adoption of Christianity as an equal religion in 313, it became a baptistery - a place for mass baptisms, and then a church. During Ottoman rule, it became a mosque. Today the Rotunda is a functioning temple with worship services. It preserves 5 layers of murals from different eras.
![The Church-Rotunda "St. George", Sofia](https://sofiacheap.com/p/s/t/stgeorgerotundasofia-16-1140x0.jpg.pagespeed.ce.EE76VokhLa.jpg)
3. The Russian Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
The building is small but distinctive - with its exquisite golden domes, atypical for Bulgarian churches architecture and beautifully maintained gardens around it. The Russian Church was built for many years - started somewhere in the late 19th century, and no one knows exactly when, and consecrated in 1914. Its purpose was to serve the needs of the many Russian immigrants in Sofia. Today, the Russian Church, in addition to being an extremely beautiful place, is one of the most visited temples in the city, both by locals and tourists. And not just from Russians.
![The Russian Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker](https://sofiacheap.com/p/t/h/the-russian-church-st-nikolay-64-1140x0.jpg)
The Russian Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
© Alexander Savov, Bulphoto2. The guards in front of the presidency
Guards values have existed for 140 years - loyalty to the homeland, courage, duty, and honor, selfless service, and dignity - all that a Bulgarian soldier should have. From the beginning of its establishment in 1879 until today, the Guards represent the independence and inviolability of Bulgaria and its head of state, and the hat will always be the motto of the National Guard: "For the honor and glory of the Motherland."
![The guards in front of the presidency. Sofia.](https://sofiacheap.com/p/d/e/depositphotos-13271510-l-2015-69-1140x0.jpg.pagespeed.ce.QTYEjZvi0U.jpg)
The guards in front of the presidency. Sofia.
© alexF-64, Depositphotos1. The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The cathedral was built in the period 1882-1912 in honor of the Liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish slavery. It is financed entirely by public donations. It is named after the Russian saint Alexander Nevsky, patron of the Russian Emperor Alexander II as an expression of gratitude to the Tsar-Liberator.
In 1953 the building became a cathedral of the Bulgarian Patriarchate, and in 1955 it was declared a national cultural monument. Its architecture is a five-nave cross-domed basilica in the Byzantine style. There are 12 bells, all cast and brought from Moscow.
![St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia](https://sofiacheap.com/p/a/l/alexander-nevski-sofia-14-1140x0.jpg.pagespeed.ce.KPQ66AtrP4.jpg)
Bonus
In the subway, next to the Central Department Store, is located the navel of Sofia. There are two main streets - the ancient Serdica (Decumanus Maximus) and Cardo Maximus. The city center has not moved for 2000 years! The place is the largest underground museum in Sofia - Largo, which shows three neighborhoods of ancient Serdica. You can walk along the authentic pavement of the main street of the Roman city. A favorite place for selfies is under the transparent dome, where past and present mix.
![](https://sofiacheap.com/p/f/o/fortress-ulpia-serdica-2-62-1140x0.jpg.pagespeed.ce.asYlLA2BPA.jpg)