Mentioning rivers, coastal areas and inland waterways usually brings to the minds of the citizens of Sofia the waters of the Danube that separates this country from neighboring Romania. Sofia citizens also remember the plans for the creation of a water channel, initiated in the 60s by communist leader Todor Zhivkov.

But residents of the Bulgarian capital city often tend to forget that their city has at least two rivers that pass through the central part of Sofia: the Perlovska and Vladayska rivers crawl in the meanders of their concrete riverbeds, causing mostly indifference from passers-by. The dark waters of these rivers do not recall of the famous European rivers but they still deserve our attention.

The Perlovska River springs near the neighborhood of Dragalevtzi in the southern part of Sofia (located on the slopes of Vitosha), passes under the city’s ring road and goes to the city center. Although much of its waterbed remains hidden from view because of land-use decisions that force waters to go into underground channels, it still comes to the surface in some places of the city. This happens along the Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev blvd. where it goes under the iconic Eagle’s Bridge. The waters of the Perlovska River pass a total of 31 km before flowing into the Iskar River (one of the major Bulgarian Danube tributaries.)

Another river which crosses the territory of Sofia is the Vladayska. It springs from 2245 meters above sea level, northwest of Cherni Vruh (the highest peak of Vitosha), passing through various districts of Sofia and joining the Perlovska River shortly before the latter flows into the Iskar.

Often avoided because of their unattractive appearance, these two rivers may soon become a favorite place for recreation of the guests and citizens of the city. Municipal authorities have planned reconstruction of the central zone of the city where Perlovska River passes through. Places for recreation and additional bike lanes will be built along the river, turning it into an attractive spot.

The plans for Vladayska River are more modest. Efforts will be focused on the famous Lion's Bridge. After the project is completed the bridge will stand at the middle of a new roundabout that will facilitate the passage of vehicles and pedestrians in this busy urban area. Implementation of these ideas can help us change our attitude to the Perlovska and Vladayska rivers in Sofia.

English version: Alexander Markov