Escapethe bustle of Sofia’s city center and relax amid the peaceful confines of theglorious Borisova Gradina (Boris Garden). Wander along tree-lined walkways andenjoy picnics on large green lawns. Check out an interesting collection ofstatues and monuments or attend soccer matches and open-air concerts. Opened inthe 1880s, Borisova Gradina is one of Sofia’s oldest and most-loved parks. Ittakes its name from Boris III, Tsar of Bulgaria.
Pavedtrails weave through the park and are ideal for walking, jogging or cycling. Themany chestnut, conifer, elm, oak and sycamore trees give the park an ambiencesimilar to a small wood. On mild and sunny days, the park’s vast green lawnsare popular with picnickers and groups of friends playing sports.
Oneof the park’s most interesting areas is its northeastern corner. Stroll alongleafy paths while you spot busts of Bulgarian revolutionaries, poets andwriters. Check out the Bratska Mogila (Mound of Brotherhood), a monument tothose who died in the struggle against fascism. The monument features a 138-foot-(42-meter-) tall obelisk with statues of armed combatants at its base. In thesame area of the park you’ll find a children’s playground, complete withswings, slides and climbing frames.
Don’tmiss Ariana Lake, situated at the park’s northern entrance. Rent a paddleboatand enjoy a gentle cruise around the lake or sit at one of the waterfrontcafés. In the winter months the lake becomes an ice-skating rink.
Sportsfans might want to visit the two stadiums located in the park. Watch aninternational soccer match, attend a concert or visit the Museum of PhysicalCulture and Sport at the National Stadium Vasil Levski. Experience the passionof C.S.K.A. Sofia soccer club at the Balgarska Armia Stadium. There are alsopublic tennis courts and a swimming pool complex, which is open in the summermonths.
Situatedon the south side of Sofia’s city center, Borisova Gradina is easily reachedvia public buses, trolleybus, metro and a city sightseeing bus. The nearestmetro stop is Stadium Vasil Levski. The park is open daily. Ask at your hotelor the tourist information office for details about events such as concerts andtheater performances.
