Museums & music · 39 of the best in Sofia
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre
The back story
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Nikolai Karaneschev · CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout The Ivan Vazov National Theatre
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the red-and-white neoclassical building facing the City Garden, is Bulgaria’s oldest and most prestigious theatre, named after the writer Ivan Vazov, the patriarch of Bulgarian literature.
Fellner & Helmer
The theatre was designed by the Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer and opened in 1906. Damaged by fire in 1923, it was restored, and its façade with a pediment and columns remains one of Sofia’s finest.
Ivan Vazov
The theatre is named after Ivan Vazov, whose novel Under the Yoke is the best-known work of Bulgarian literature.
Sofia’s National Theatre was designed by the same Viennese architects who built theatres across Central Europe.
The City Garden
In front of the theatre, the City Garden is Sofia’s oldest public garden, with a fountain, benches and chess players.
Our advice: even if you do not understand Bulgarian, see the theatre lit up at night from the City Garden; look out for performances with English surtitles.
Why it's on our list
- Fellner & Helmer
- Ivan Vazov
- The City Garden
- Seeing a play
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Ivan Vazov National Theatre before you go.