Hidden Sofia: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Overview

Sofia is one of Europe’s most surprising capitals, with seven thousand years of history hidden in plain sight. On this self-guided audio walk, I’ll also show you treasures that reveal how Bulgaria’s capital has reinvented itself through the eras. You’ll also discover how the city’s unique lack of a distinct Old Town creates a compact territory where ancient Serdica meets modern Sofia. The tour starts on St. Nedelya Square, from where you’ll weave through vibrant boulevards and tucked-away courtyards. You’ll walk through peaceful parks and descend into underground archaeological complexes to walk Roman streets. You’ll also hear how communist symbols were transformed into democratic spaces, and Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau, and Modernism found their way into the city’s architecture. By the end of this tour, you’ll have a greater understanding of how Sofia’s absence of an Old Town has created one of Europe’s most fascinating archaeological centres.

Itinerary

1. The tour starts on St. Nedelya Square, above the ancient Roman forum of Serdica, from where you’ll weave through vibrant boulevards and tucked-away courtyards.

   · Non-stop passage

2. Explore the Square of Tolerance, home to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelia, the Catholic Cathedral of Sofia St Joseph Parish, the Central Synagogue, and the Central Mosque

   · Non-stop passage

3. On this tour, you'll pass by the Regional History Museum of Sofia. Along the way, you’ll learn about Bulgaria’s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.

   · Non-stop passage

4. Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex

   Stroll through Roman Serdica, where Emperor Constantine declared ”Serdica is my Rome” – before choosing Constantinople instead

   · Non-stop passage

5. Visit the 4th-century St. Georgi Rotunda Church, Sofia’s oldest building that’s served various purposes throughout the years

   · Non-stop passage

6. Take in the Banya Bashi Mosque, the only active mosque in Sofia

   · Non-stop passage

7. Explore the Square of Tolerance, home to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelia, the Catholic Cathedral of Sofia St Joseph Parish, the Central Synagogue, and the Central Mosque

   · Non-stop passage

8. Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph

   Explore the Square of Tolerance, home to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelia, the Catholic Cathedral of Sofia St Joseph Parish, the Central Synagogue, and the Central Mosque

   · Non-stop passage

9. Stand in the former Presidential Palace of the Republic of Bulgaria, where Tsar Boris III died mysteriously after meeting Hitler in 1943

   · Non-stop passage

10. City Garden

    You’ll walk through peaceful parks where locals meet for chess and morning coffee, and descend into underground archaeological complexes to walk Roman streets.

    · Non-stop passage

11. Ivan Vazov National Theater

    On this tour, you'll pass by the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Along the way, you’ll learn about Bulgaria’s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.

    · Non-stop passage

12. Monument of Tsar Samuil

    On this tour, you'll pass by the Tsar Samuil Monument. Along the way, you’ll learn about Bulgaria’s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.

    · Non-stop passage

13. On this tour, you'll pass by the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Along the way, you’ll learn about Bulgaria’s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.

    · Non-stop passage

14. The tour finishes at the Patriarchal Cathedral St Alexander Nevsky, whose golden domes are a reminder of Bulgaria’s Orthodox identity, but also honor Russian liberators.

    · Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

Ticket handed over by the operator on site

VOICEMAP CODE ─── Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app Create an account Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE ─── You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour. SUPPORT ─── For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• You will receive confirmation immediately when you book.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 110804P1067

Activity offered by VoiceMap Audio Tours via Viator.