Boyana Church, Sofia Region, Bulgaria

5DavieU 5:00 PM Apr 29, 2022

Worth a visit
UNESCO site about 15 mins taxi from the centre. Very historic with nice frescos. You're only allowed 10 mins inside though it's very small. The hike to the waterfalls is very close by so can combine the two.

4Basia_Poznan 5:00 PM Aug 20, 2021

1000 years of history in less than 10 min
This great gem of history and culture disappointed my expectetions. Not because it's not worth its fame and the place on the Unesco List, but because of the way it is presented. The history of the church started in the 10thC and the first paintings are a 1000 years old. Most of them are covered with new layers, but still a great experience. What makes me sad/angry is that after over an hour long trip (metro to Vitosha station, then bus 46) and paying 10 leva we had to wait over 2 hours for the entrance (they let 6 people at a time) and were allowed to stay in the interior for 10 minutes (first letting the previous group out which made it really 8 min). No guidance included, there was hardly any time to see everything not to mention reading extra info. And taking pictures was prohibited. I strongly recommend to read all you can about the place BEFORE you get there or pay extra for the guide. PS. you cannot eat or drik in the surrounding garden = you have to go outside the gates, using the toilet is allowed only after presenting the entrance ticket. Although I appreciate the spiritual, historic and cultural value of the place, I did not feel welcome at all.