Weekend Idea: Klisura Monastery
Even if you don’t like “religious” tourism, we guarantee that the Klisura Monastery “St. Petka” above Bankya is not a bad idea. It is near to Sofia, and the area around is not reminiscent of the fast pace and crowded streets of the capital. A great alternative to the very “exploited” Vitosha.
Where is the monastery?
It is located between the village of Klisura and the town of Bankya near to Sofia, as we mentioned. It is on the top of a hill at the foot of the beautiful Lyulin Mountain. From the opposite meadow there is a view of Cherni Vrah, in addition there is a wonderful pine grove where you can cool off from the heat in summer.
History of the temple
The place has a special charm. The building impresses with an interesting facade, and in the courtyard of the monastery there is a beautiful flower garden, usually full of quite “friendly” butterflies.
The history of the monastery dates back to the 13th century, when it was the center of a large number of monasteries. Five centuries after its construction, it was renovated, and in the 20th century it was rebuilt by several Russian nuns. At that time, however, the monastery church “St. Petka Tarnovska” collapsed and had to be rebuilt. It was renovated in 1954 and painted by a Russian monk.
In the new century in the yard of the monastery was built an elegant and spacious church-rotunda. Much of the monastery is covered with external murals of bright colors that impress every visitor.
Legends
According to the legend, Tsar Ivan Asen II requested that the relics of St. Petka of Bulgaria be transferred to the capital Turnovo. However, the liturgical procession with her relics stopped for a rest near the present Klisura monastery and then became a real miracle. It is said that the place was illuminated by the incorruptible body of St. Petka and therefore the locals built a church there and later a monastery.
How to get to the monastery?
From Art Hotel Simona you can reach the Klisura Monastery by bus number 49 (from the metro station Konstantin Velichkov). From the last stop you will have to take a short walk – across the signs up through the pasture or left along the bike path on an easier route.
Of course, the easier option is by car. If you choose this one, it is best to turn on the GPS navigation or at the first roundabout in Bankya (at the entrance from Sofia) turn right and then follow the signs again.
Where the Name of Sofia Comes From
Over the centuries, the current Bulgarian capital has had different names. And this is not surprise, because of that its history dates back to the early Neolithic – somewhere around VI millennium BC.
The legend of Sofia
The name of the city is believed to have come from the mighty Emperor Justinian I and his daughter. Legend tells that although he was a very rich and prosperous ruler, he hadn’t been happy person at all. And the reason for this was the fact that his daughter Sofia had been seriously ill. Famous doctors from all over the world tried to cure her, but without success.
The emperor’s advisers told him that the fresh air of nature, peace and quiet might help her. So Justinian decided to try and ordered them to find such a place. And it was the foothills of Vitosha Mountain, where the small Slavic town of Sredets was located at the time.
The miracle of nature
There were mineral springs, the climate was mild and pleasant, and the air was filled with the aroma of flowers and fruits. It turned out that the change of circumstances really helped the sick Sofia and very soon she began to improve, the smile on her face returned, as well as her desire to sing. When she fully recovered, the girl decided to stay in this beautiful city forever.
A special gift
Justinian I ordered a church to be built in the center of the city. It was called “St. Sophia”, and later people begin to call the city the same way – Sofia *.
* Source of the legend: Bulgarian in One Breath (author Elena Stoyanova)
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If you have a trip to Sofia and you are looking for a profitable and pleasant place to stay, welcome to Art Hotel Simona – an artistic atmosphere, delicious food and a new standard in cleaning.
We are waiting for you!
The Russian Church in Sofia – a Really Special Place
The temples in Sofia are not one or two, as is the case in all major cities. However, the Russian Church of St. Nicholas is more special than the rest. And the reason for this is not only the impressive architecture, nor the golden cubes or the always beautiful flower garden near the main entrance. There is no way to walk past such a building and not to fall in love with it, but there is something more spiritual and a little bit more mystical, too.
Interesting facts about the Russian Church
Construction began in the late 19th century and continued for many years. It is consecrated in 1914 on the eve of World War I. It is built on a plot of the Russian Embassy because of the needs of Russian emigrants in the capital, but the original idea is for a small chapel. However, the church become a centre of the numerous Russian immigration. After 1947, it passed under the authority of the Moscow Patriarchate, as it is today.
The impressive murals that adorn the walls of the church are work of a team of artists. Vasily Perminov, who is one of the authors of the murals in the cathedral temple “St. Alexander Nevski”, headed the team. In architectural terms, we see a combination of modern and traditional with preserved ancient Russian elements, combined with Old Russian mosaics and carvings.
But why is the Russian Church so special?
In the crypt of the temple is the tomb of Archbishop Seraphim Sobolev or just St. Seraphim, known as the Wonder Worker of Sofia. He arrived in Bulgaria in 1921 and became famous for his great love for people and for helping them a lot. He had the ability to heal incurable diseases through prayer. In his lifetime, Seraphim said, “We must see our brothers as angels, and their sins as diseases.” He believed that one person did not become bad for his bad actions and therefore could forgive everyone.
The stories of the people he helped are thousands. They also talk about his ability to predict the future and read the thoughts of the others. The day before he died, he told one of the laymen:
“When I leave, write me letters. If I am blessed with the opportunity to meet the God, I will intercede for you and ask him to help you”.
What You Must See in Sofia if You Only Have a Day
You are in Sofia but you do not have much free time for tours because your program is overflowing?! Still want to make the trip not only rewarding but enjoyable?! Then let us help you with some guidelines for what you should see in the capital if you only have one day!
Where to start the Sofia tour?
One day is too short period, but you may try to visit the most interesting places. So here are some suggestions for a quick and easy tour.
If you are free at lunch hours, you can take a bus trip – City Sightseeing Sofia. The tours last just over an hour and are organized every day of the week, starting at 12:00 noon. This is good way to see the most iconic places in the capital. And with the help of an experienced guide you will also learn interesting things about different sights. But if you prefer a more secluded experience, you can also enjoy private tours.
Another option for those who prefer to organize their time alone is a walking tour of the central part. A good starting point is the metro, in particular the Serdika metro station, where the 120 meter long platform reveals archaeological finds found during the construction of the underground road.
Ancient Sofia
Leaving the station, the ancient experience continues with the remains of the foundations of residential buildings from the ancient town of Serdika. Take a walk among them and visit the Church of St. Petka Samardzhiyska, where you should go up to the second floor, too. It is located at one exit of the subway. It was built in the 11th century on the foundations of a Roman tomb since the 4th century. According to the hypothesis of the bulgarian writer Nikolay Haitov, the Bulgarian Apostle of Freedom Vasil Levski was buried at this place.
Then you can continue your walk through the Central Department Store, next can make some selfies in front of the Bashi Bashi Mosque and the former City Mineral Bath. After that you can proceed to the Council of ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Presidency. Even if you aren’t keen on politics, buildings are definitely worth a look. We recommend that you go through the underpass opposite the metro exit because you will be able to see more remains of the ancient Sredets.
And if you are already tired, you may end up with shopping or with a walk along the Vitosha Boulevard. Along the way you will also see the Church of the Holy Sunday, in which the relics of Serbian King Stefan Uros II were stored in the 19th century. The temple has been known for its bloody terrorist attack since April 16, 1925, too, but we will not go into detail about it. For a final, you can have a drink something at one of Vitosha’s many cafes.
More suggestions for the tireless ones
There are a few other places interesting for visiting, although we don’t believe you’ll have the power to do anything. One of them is the magnificent Alexander Nevski Monument. Nearby you will find the monument of the Unknown Warrior and the sculpture of Samuel, as well as the Basilica of Saint Sophia and the archaeological museum below it (in case you manage to go at its working hours).
Have a good time!
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Afterwards, we are waiting for you at the cozy Art Hotel Simona and the 24-hour Simona Restaurant, where your stay will have a pleasant art taste. It is only 3 km from the city center. Excellent service and an amazing atmosphere are among the details that will take care of your good impression of the city.
An unpretentious guide to the favorite meeting places in Sofia
What are the best places to meet friends when you are in Sofia ?! We are going to give you a jocker – the locations are well known to all residents of the capital, and also guests quickly learn them.
National Palace of Culture (NPC)
The National Palace of Culture is one of the most preferred locations on the meeting list when someone is in Sofia. It is at the city centre and there is no way you cann’t recognize it. Whomever you ask where is NPC will tell you.
Usually meetings are in the front of the three pylons or in the front of the central entrance. Another option is the Lovers Bridge behind the National Palace of Culture, but in this case you should explain exactly on which side you are.
“The Pop”
First of all, for those whom don’t know what Pope is, this is Patriarch Evtimiy’s square, in the center of which there is a monument to the monk. It is located at the intersection of Patriarch Evtimiy Blvd., Vasil Levski Blvd. and Graf Ignatiev Street. The name “Popa” goes from tumultuous socialist years, when the hippies were gathering around the monument.
Station clock
The central railway station is another well-known location for most of the people, and the large clock in front of the entrance is a great guide point. In general, it is crowded enough here, but under the clock is a convenient place for watching other inbound entrances and exits, so it is easy to find the person you have arranged with.
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Proposal for a good time in Sofia
Our offer is the next meeting to be at Art Hotel Simona. You can choose from one of our great art rooms, which make the spent time here real experience. And for a delicious stay, we also offer you to come at the Simona restaurant.
Boyana Church of St. Nicholas and St. Pantaleimon
Boyana Church of St. Nicholas and St. Pantaleimon is situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, in Boyana Housing Estate in Sofia. It is one of the few medieval monuments of Christian art that have survived until the present day.
