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Church St. George Rotunda, Sofia

4.4
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Hear priests chant in the old Slavic language and sing Byzantine music while performing the daily liturgy at Church St. George Rotunda. The Romans built the red-brick rotunda--the oldest building in Sofia--in the fourth century CE, presumably on the site of a pagan temple. A modern hotel was built around the church in the 1950s, and in the courtyard you can see the contrast between the opulence of the huge hotel and the humility of the small church. The church is famous for its 12th- to 14th-century frescoes. Twenty-two large figures of prophets crown the central dome around the image of Christ. As you exit the church, wander around the neighboring ruins of the ancient town of Serdika. Plan my Sofia trip by asking Klarna Trips to come up with tips and suggestions.
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Church St. George Rotunda reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,686 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • An interesting place with a lovely small interior to see. When we visited it was clearly a service of some type so be mindful of those who use this place of worship and act appropriately. 
    An interesting place with a lovely small interior to see. When we visited it was clearly a service of some type so be mindful of those who use this place of worship and act appropriately.  more »
  • This is a beautiful Early Christian rotunda made of impressive red brick. It is considered the oldest building in Sofia, erected in the 4th century by the Romans. The church is surrounded by ancient.....  more
    This is a beautiful Early Christian rotunda made of impressive red brick. It is considered the oldest building in Sofia, erected in the 4th century by the Romans. The church is surrounded by ancient.....  more »
  • Beautiful ancient place, perfect to see the endurance of architecture and spirituality through the passage of time, among large and modern buildings 
    Beautiful ancient place, perfect to see the endurance of architecture and spirituality through the passage of time, among large and modern buildings  more »
Google
  • Super awesome place and gorgeous fresco inside! It does not cost any money to visit and I highly recommend that you do so. It’s beautifully situated inside the walls of government buildings I believe? There is even a restaurant close to the rotunda if you’re looking for a bite to eat while looking at the church. The ladies inside the church were extremely friendly and welcoming. No photos are allowed inside of the church and so you must go see the fresco in person.
  • Surrounded by much taller and much newer government buildings, St. George Rotunda Church is one of the most remarkable structures in Sofia. Originally built as a Roman Bath in the 4th century, this red brick building was converted into a church, became a mosque during the rule of the Ottomans and was reconsecrated as an Orthodox Church when Bulgaria regained its independence. There are beautiful frescoes inside. They had been painted over by the Ottomans and rediscovered and restored in the 20th century. Behind and around the building, there are remains of the old Roman city. Walk around to get a sense of the history of the place and for beautiful perspectives of the church.
  • Very nice old small church. Frescoes are old and therefore more interesting and valuable. I love the fact this church, as most of the others, are still working (if you are not a morning person, you can come to evening liturgy - 5PM).
  • The most surreal building I’ve been to in Sofia. Built in 4th century during Roman empire. Amazing one and worth it to visit!
  • The entrance is free, Beautiful old church, Is hidden inside a another building but still easy to find, Outside this building I had to opportunity to see how the guards change shift.

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