Private Tour Sofia – Discover the Story of Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church
A private tour Sofia takes you deep into the city’s rich history. One of the most special places is Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church, also called the Church of the Seven Saints. Located on one of Sofia’s central streets, this church stands where once a mosque stood. Before that, there was a prison, and even earlier, a Christian temple.
This beautiful church is dedicated to Cyril and Methodius and their five students. These seven people helped bring Christianity to the Slavs and translated the Bible into Bulgarian. Today, their work is honored through this sacred church, included in many Sofia daily city tours.
From Mosque to Church – A Kept Promise
In 1526, Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman ruler, passed through Sofia on his way to Hungary. That night, he had a dream of victory. He told the governor of Sofia that if the dream came true, he would build a mosque. When he later conquered Budapest, he kept his word. Two years later, the Black Mosque with a dark stone minaret was built in Sofia.
The mosque was likely built by Mimar Sinan, the greatest Ottoman architect. It stood on the site of a former nunnery of Rila Monastery and a 4th-century Christian temple. This area was always seen as sacred, even before the Ottomans came. Later, in the early 1900s, the mosque was transformed into a church with a new purpose: to celebrate the saints who gave people the right to read the Holy Scriptures.
A Church Full of History and Meaning
The building changed many times over the centuries. After Bulgaria’s liberation, the mosque was used as a warehouse and a prison. One famous prisoner was Petko Karavelov, a great Bulgarian politician. While he was held here, he made a promise: if he ever got out, he would help build a church on this spot. Years later, that promise came true.
From 1901 to 1902, the Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church was built. It used the walls of the old mosque and added new features. The result is a unique mix of Christian and Islamic architecture. This site is a favorite on any private tour Sofia.
Why Visit Sveti Sedmochislenitsi?
This church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s also a symbol of promises kept and faith passed on. It honors the work of Cyril and Methodius and their students. Thanks to them, millions can read the Bible in their native language.
The church stands as a light in the heart of Sofia. You can still see the remains of the madrasah, the Muslim school, and the imaret, a kitchen that once fed the poor. These are reminders of the site’s layered past. For more inspiring experiences, explore our customized Istanbul city tour or our spiritual Ephesus day tour.
Explore Sofia with Us
A private tour Sofia is the best way to connect with Bulgaria’s history and culture. You’ll see beautiful places like Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church and hear the real stories behind them.
Let us guide you through Sofia’s spiritual heart. Contact us today to book your unforgettable experience.
