Weekend Offer: The Bells (PHOTOS)
Bells Park is one of the emblematic of Sofia. We all know where it is (hopefully), but how many of us know its history?! The place where the impressive monument is located is extremely beautiful and is only a kilometer from Mladost district.
The area offers the opportunity to walk in nature, and you can certainly find quieter picnic areas if you prefer privacy. Before that, however, be sure to take a walk to see the many bells from around the world, especially if you have children – a lot of fun.
What is a Bell Park?
This is a complex whose official name is the International Park of Children of the World. It is located near the Sofia village of Bistritsa at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. It was opened in 1979 on the idea of Lyudmila Zhivkova because of the hosting of our country at the International Children’s Assembly “Flag of Peace” under the auspices of UNESCO (Children’s Art Festival).
Photo: NUKK
The complex is designed by the sculptors Krum Damyanov and Mihail Benchev, the architects Blagoy Atanasov and Georgi Genchev and eng. Anton Maleev. It was built in just 30 days and in its center there is a monument with a height of 37 meters. It consists of 4 vertical pylons, oriented according to the directions of the world. At the top there is a sphere that symbolizes the planet, and 7 bells – for each of the continents. Many more bells (over 130) are located in a circle around the main monument.
Curious about the Bells:
- We can find a copy of a bell from the 4th century BC;
- The oldest original bell is from the 11th century;
- One of the bells (from Latin America) took part in a real uprising;
- In 1996, a few bulldozers were about to demolish the monument;
- The Bulgarian bell weighs 1300 kg, and the reason – in honor of the 1300th anniversary of the founding of our country.
How to Get There?
You can use public transport – buses 314, 111, 112, or the more convenient option – by car (there is a place to park). Unfortunately, you can’t rely much on signage, so you’d better turn on your GPS navigation.
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And we are waiting for you in Art Hotel Simona, where you will enjoy a cozy, artistic atmosphere, unique design rooms, interesting culinary offerings, impeccable hygiene and special treatment. And all this only 3 km from the center of Sofia.
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.
