Boyana Church: frescoes of 1259

About Boyana Church: frescoes of 1259

By the ULTIMATE Sofia Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Boyana Church, a small medieval church at the foot of Vitosha, holds frescoes painted in 1259 that are among the most important works of medieval European art. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

A small church

The church was built in three stages, from the 10th to the 19th century; its second phase was commissioned by the Sebastocrator Kaloyan and his wife Desislava in the 13th century.

The frescoes

In 1259, an anonymous master painted the walls with nearly 90 scenes and some 240 figures. The portraits of Kaloyan and Desislava, and of the saints, are startlingly lifelike and expressive.

Boyana’s faces were painted with a realism rare in the 13th century.

Visiting

To protect the frescoes, visits are limited to a few people at a time for a short stay.

Our advice: combine Boyana Church with the National History Museum nearby and a walk on Vitosha. Book or arrive early in summer, as numbers inside are limited.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Boyana Church: frescoes of 1259 before you go.