The sound of this fountain can be heard at one of the most visited and artistic places in Sofia – the City Garden, better known as the Garden In Front of the National Theatre. The park is never empty on a summer sunny day. Besides being a spot for meetings, concerts and outdoor exhibitions, the garden is one of the most favorite places of Sofia’s citizens. It attracts with the coolness of the fountain, the dignity of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre’s building, the spirit of the Sofia Art Gallery and the beautiful statues of the park space, which are a part of the unique atmosphere of the spot.

The City Garden is the oldest park in Sofia. It existed even before the 1878 Liberation, as it used to be smaller back then. The place was developed and expanded in size through that same year – 1878, with a small fountain, a musicians’ pavilion and a sundial. The City Garden has preserved much of Sofia’s history and each building around could tell a lot. The Sofia Art Gallery can be found in the building of the former city casino, owning one of the most significant Bulgarian art collections. It is also the first permanent picture gallery in Bulgaria.

The garden is preferred by people at all ages. It is being visited by Sofia citizens from the old generation, who remember interesting details on the spot. Listen to what an old lady from Sofia says:

“One can feel the mood of the garden, the National Theatre is just over there and that is why I visit it with a great pleasure. I’ve been here for years and I recall that there used to be a really nice small statue of a boy in front of the theatre. It is a pity it has been gone for a long time…”

The National Theatre was built up in 1907 on the spot of the old wooden theatre, named Basis, designed by Vienna architects. Stage equipment from Germany was delivered in 1928, the best in the branch back then and still working today. A group of students booed Knyaz Ferdinand I at the 1907 opening ceremony and he decided to close the Sofia University for 6 months. The mausoleum of Georgi Dimitrov could be found at the garden up until 1999 – Dimitrov used to chair the Bulgarian Communist Party and was a pm. A marvelous view towards the National Art Gallery occurred after the demolition of the mausoleum.

Chess players and moms with babies and kids are regular guests of the City Garden and young people love to lie down in the grass talking or playing their guitars.

Dobri works nearby and often visits the garden:

“The fountain is very nice, the initiatives with the information boards and the exhibitions are really interesting too. The spot is maintained, it is green and looks really good.”

Albena can be found here often, it is one of her favorite spots in the capital city:

“I see it as a place for meeting friends, I like its closeness to anywhere, it is downtown and one can see many familiar faces in the crowd. You can feel some fresh air, without hearing the cars.”

Here is a lady, just resting downtown:

English version: Zhivko Stanchev
Photos: Hristina Taseva