Discover Legends with a Private Tour Sofia – Saint Sofia Church
A private tour Sofia is the best way to explore the secrets of this ancient city. One of its most famous sites is Saint Sofia Church, also called Sveta Sofia Church. Many stories and legends are told about it, and they make the place even more magical.
One old legend says that a princess named Sofia was very sick. She came to Serdica, the ancient name of Sofia, and was healed. To thank God, she built a church on the city’s highest point. That church became known as Sveta Sofia Church. You can learn more about this story from your local Sofia tour guide.
Another legend talks about a goldsmith named Georgi. He refused to change his faith during Ottoman times. As a result, he was burned alive in front of the church. Soon after, two large earthquakes hit the area. During one, an imam’s sons died inside the church. These events added to the church’s mystery and power.
Saint Sofia Church – A Symbol of the City
Many visitors focus only on the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. But a private tour Sofia will also take you to Saint Sofia Church, one of the city’s oldest and most symbolic places.
The city of Sofia is actually named after this church. Before that, it was called Sredets. In the 14th century, the name of the church was given to the whole city. A Sofia tour guide can explain why this change happened.
Along with the Saint George Rotunda, this church is one of the oldest Christian buildings still in use in Europe.
Layers of Churches Beneath Saint Sofia
The current building stands on top of two or three older churches. The first one was built in the early 4th century, after Christianity became legal in the Roman Empire. It was placed on a hill, near a pagan cemetery. It may have been built over the grave of a Christian martyr. You can read more and contact us for a tour.
The second church was built in the middle of the 4th century. It was almost the same size as today’s basilica. Beautiful floor mosaics from that time can still be seen. Both early churches were destroyed by the 5th century.
Underground tombs from these times still exist under today’s church. They are decorated with beautiful frescoes, like those you might see with an Istanbul tour guide.
From Church to Mosque and Back
During Ottoman rule, the church was turned into a mosque. Minarets were added and Christian art was removed. Earthquakes in 1818 and 1858 caused great damage. The second quake destroyed a minaret and killed several people.
After that, the mosque was abandoned. It was later used as a warehouse. A long restoration followed, and in 1930 the church was reopened to worshippers. Learn more about history like this from local Ephesus tour guides.
Visit Saint Sofia Church with a Private Tour Sofia
Today, Saint Sofia Church is a peaceful, historic site. Its three-nave, cross-domed design is rare in Bulgaria. The church also includes a small underground museum. You can walk through the ancient necropolis of Serdica and feel the deep history.
A private tour Sofia will help you discover this beautiful place and its rich past. Don’t miss the chance to explore it with a knowledgeable guide.
