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National Archaeological Museum

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National Institute of Archaeology with Museum

View archaeological artifacts, ranging from prehistoric times until the 18th century, and learn about Bulgaria’s culture, history and people.

Walk through the halls of a historic mosque and discover the archaeological history of Bulgaria at the National Institute of Archaeology with Museum. See Stone and Bronze Age tools and weaponry, ancient mosaics, religious icons, pottery and ceramics. Established in 1892, the National Institute of Archaeology with Museum’s goal is to promote the country’s culture and heritage.

The museum’s exhibits spread throughout an elegant 14th century building, which once served as the nine-domed Buyuk Mosque (Grand Mosque). There are four permanent exhibitions. Start in the Prehistory Hall to find artifacts that span the Paleolithic era through the Middle Bronze Age. Look for examples of engraved rocks that date to around 50,000 B.C. and stone tools from Thrace, an ancient region of southeastern Europe.

Go to the Central Hall to see artifacts from the Late Bronze Age to the Late Middle Ages. Highlights include Greek and Roman sculptures and excavations from St. Sofia Church, including the original floor mosaic. In the Vault area, you’ll find some of Bulgaria’s most famous archaeological treasures, including gold and silver ornaments and jewelry.

On the museum’s second floor is the Middle Ages Hall, a display of Medieval armor, masks, paintings, pottery and tools, among other objects. Ask at the reception about temporary exhibitions. Previous topics have included displays of Scythian art from the former Soviet Union, a history of Christianity in Bulgaria and an exposition of pre-Columbian gold.

The National Institute of Archaeology with Museum faces Antanas Burov Square in Sofia’s city center. It’s a short walk from major city attractions such as the Church of St. George, Saint Sofia Monument and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. The closest metro station is Serdika, about a 5-minute walk away. Metered parking is available at nearby Gradska Gradina (City Garden).

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and there is an admission fee. Guided tours are available in English for an extra cost. Consult the museum’s official website for complete opening times and further information about temporary exhibitions.

Guide to Exploring National Archaeological Museum

Vitoshka Boulevard

Stroll along the spacious main shopping street of Sofia and enjoy the mix of heritage façades, renowned retailers, leafy trees and lively cafés.

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National Museum of History

Discover a collection of artifacts that retrace the history of Bulgaria, from prehistory to today. Enjoy views of Mount Vitosha from the museum’s gardens.
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Church of St. George

One of Sofia’s oldest churches is a centuries-old architectural treasure and contains a fascinating collection of preserved Medieval and religious art.
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Boyana Church

See an incredible collection of perfectly preserved Eastern European Medieval art at this tranquil 10th-century Bulgarian Orthodox church.
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Bulgarian Parliament

Admire the architecture of Bulgaria’s national assembly building and attend a parliamentary session at this elegant government building in Sofia’s city center.
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National Palace of Culture

This impressive castle-like monument is a multipurpose cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, a film festival and concerts by well-known performers.
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Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Gaze in awe at this magnificent cathedral and step inside to see a fascinating collection of mosaics, murals and religious icons.
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Borisova Gradina

Spend an afternoon in this picturesque city park, discovering tree-lined pathways, a statue collection, a children’s playground and soccer stadiums.
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Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Sofia’s largest theater combines a fascinating array of art and architecture with a busy schedule of performances by some of Bulgaria’s finest actors.
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Slaveykov Square

Spot statues of cultural heroes, browse the stalls of a book market and enjoy excellent people-watching opportunities at this lively city square.
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National Gallery for Foreign Art

See a stunning array of artworks from distant lands in this unique institution in the Balkans, where four floors display artworks spanning a millennium.

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Monument to the Liberating Tsar

Find out why Bulgaria built a monument to a Russian emperor when you visit this commanding bronze statue that features detailed sculptures and portraits.

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Sveta Nedelya Church

A monumental cathedral that has been reinvented over the centuries since medieval times is where you'll now find historic relics and a beautiful mural.

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Cyril and Methodius National Library of Bulgaria

Discover an extensive collection of books, periodical journals, photographs and manuscripts as well as cultural exhibitions at Bulgaria’s national library.
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Saint Sofia Monument

Check out the towering bronze-and-copper statue of Saint Sofia, a revered city landmark and a great base for exploring other major city attractions. 
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Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square

Admire grand architecture, visit art galleries and history museums and enjoy open-air concerts at this attractive public square in central Sofia.  
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National Museum of Military History

Trace the history of Bulgaria’s national military efforts at this comprehensive museum, which displays original artillery, military vehicles and missiles.

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Saint Sofia Church

Learn about this ancient place of worship and discover a story entwined with myth, mystery and the origin of the city’s name.

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Former Communist Party House

You can’t go inside this building but it’s worth visiting anyway to check out its neoclassical architecture and to contemplate the time when it was the headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party.

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National Art Gallery

Explore exhibitions of notable Bulgarian and European art in this magnificent gallery housed within the halls of the former royal palace.

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Sofia Court House

Behind the classical and Byzantine-inspired façade of this elegant, landmark building are rooms where judicial history has played out.

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Map

Top National Archaeological Museum Hotel Deals

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Grand Hotel Sofia SG$112

Per night/room

21 Jun-22 Jun

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Grand Hotel Sofia

Grand Hotel Sofia

1 Gurko Str, Sofia
     
    5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

    This family-friendly Sofia hotel is located in the historical district, within a 15-minute walk of Slaveykov Square, Bulgarian Parliament and National Palace of Culture. Vitoshka Boulevard and Ivan Vazov National Theatre are also within 5 minutes. Serdika Station is 8 minutes by foot and Lavov Most Station is 18 minutes.

    InterContinental Sofia SG$138

    Per night/room

    5 Jun-6 Jun

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    InterContinental Sofia

    InterContinental Sofia

    4 NARODNO SABRANIE SQ, Sofia
       
      5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

      Located in Sofia City Center, this luxury hotel is steps away from Yellow Pavement and Bulgarian Parliament. National Palace of Culture is 1 mi (1.6 km) away. Serdika Station is 14 minutes by foot and Lavov Most Station is 22 minutes.

      Central Hotel Sofia SG$79

      Per night/room

      14 Jun-15 Jun

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      Central Hotel Sofia

      Central Hotel Sofia

      52, Hristo Botev Blvd., Sofia
         
        4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

        Located in Sofia City Center, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Saint Nedelya Church, Saint Sofia Monument and Sofia Court House. Central Sofia Market Hall and Church of St. George are also within 10 minutes. Serdika Station is 7 minutes by foot and Lavov Most Station is 14 minutes.

        The Storyteller's Place - 2 Bedroom Aesthetic Apt
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        The Storyteller's Place - 2 Bedroom Aesthetic Apt

        The Storyteller's Place - 2 Bedroom Aesthetic Apt

        ulitsa Antim I 12, Sofia, Sofia-city
           
          3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

          Located in Sofia City Center, this apartment building is within 1 mi (2 km) of Sofia Court House and National Palace of Culture. Bulgarian Parliament is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) away. Serdika Station is 10 minutes by foot and Lavov Most Station is 18 minutes.

          Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Sofia SG$112

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          13 Jun-14 Jun

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          Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Sofia

          Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Sofia

          5 Sveta Nedelya Square, Sofia
             
            5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

            Located in Sofia City Center, this luxury hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Saint Nedelya Church, National Palace of Culture and Bulgarian Parliament. Vitoshka Boulevard and Yellow Pavement are also within 5 minutes. Serdika Station is only a 2-minute walk and Lavov Most Station is 14 minutes.

            Hilton Sofia SG$133

            Per night/room

            30 May-31 May

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            Hilton Sofia

            Hilton Sofia

            1 Bulgaria Boulevard, Sofia
               
              5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

              This family-friendly Sofia hotel is located in the shopping district, within 1 mi (2 km) of Vitosha Blvd and National Palace of Culture. Bulgarian Parliament is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) away. Serdika Station is 25 minutes by foot.

              FM Luxury 2-BDR Apartment - Rise and Shine
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              FM Luxury 2-BDR Apartment - Rise and Shine

              FM Luxury 2-BDR Apartment - Rise and Shine

              ulitsa "Saborna" 4, Sofia, Sofia-city
                 
                3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

                Located in Sofia City Center, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Yellow Pavement and Bulgarian Parliament. National Palace of Culture is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) away. Serdika Station is only a 4-minute walk and Lavov Most Station is 15 minutes.

                FM Deluxe 2-BDR - Apartment - The Maisonette
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                FM Deluxe 2-BDR - Apartment - The Maisonette

                FM Deluxe 2-BDR - Apartment - The Maisonette

                Sofroniy Vrachanski 155, Sofia, Sofia
                   
                  3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

                  Located in Sofia City Center, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Yellow Pavement and Bulgarian Parliament. National Palace of Culture is 1 mi (1.6 km) away. Serdika Station is only a 4-minute walk and Lavov Most Station is 12 minutes.

                  See all 504 properties near National Archaeological Museum