Avisit to the National Museum of History in Sofia is an insight into the historyand culture of Bulgaria and its people. Spot ancient mosaics, centuries-oldcoin collections, tribal tools, historic weaponry, religious icons and royalregalia, among other objects. The National Museum of History has a collectionof over half a million artifacts, making it one of the largest museums in theBalkans.
Asyou approach the museum take a moment to admire its impressive building, aclassic example of Soviet-era architecture. Check out the Byzantine, Greek andRoman columns and the statues displayed around the outside of the building.Inside, you’ll find the exhibits displayed chronologically from Bulgaria’sprehistory to the present day.
Learnabout the Thracians, the early inhabitants of southeastern Europe. View goldobjects found at Panagyurishte and mosaics from Villa Armira, which are some ofBulgaria’s most famous archaeological findings. See a collection of antiquecoins from Medieval times.
Don’tmiss the displays that retell the story of Bulgaria’s period under Ottoman ruleand the country’s liberation in 1878. Find artifacts that relate to thecountry’s involvement in WWI, WWII and the Balkan Wars.
Situatedin the picturesque park of Rezidentsia Boyana, the National Museum of Historyis less than a 20-minute drive from Sofia’s city center. There is a large free parkinglot at the museum’s entrance. Public trolleybuses also stop at the museum.After visiting the exhibits, take some time to explore the scenic tree-linedgarden. On a clear day you can enjoy superb views of Mount Vitosha.
The museumis open daily, except for selected public holidays. There is a nominaladmission fee and guided tours in English are also available for an extra cost.Purchase a combined ticket to access Boyana Church and Zemen Monastery. Full detailsare available on the museum’s official website.
