National Museum of History

The National Museum of History in Sofia is Bulgaria's foremost museum and one of the richest history museums in the Balkans. It holds collections spanning thousands of years, from prehistory and Thracian antiquity through the Bulgarian medieval period to modern times, offering an unrivalled overview of these lands' past.

What to see The museum is renowned for its gold and silver treasures, among them spectacular pieces of Thracian art — the civilization that left in Bulgaria some of the most precious ancient treasures in Europe. Beyond these, the exhibitions present artefacts from the Roman and Byzantine eras, testimonies of the First and Second Bulgarian Empires, folk costumes, icons, and objects illustrating traditional life and the formation of the modern Bulgarian state. The wealth and range of the collections make a visit a genuine introduction to Bulgaria's identity.

Practical The museum stands in the Boyana district, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain on the southern edge of Sofia, somewhat away from the centre; it is reached by car, taxi or public transport. A visit combines very well with the nearby Boyana Church, a UNESCO site famous for its medieval frescoes. Allow plenty of time, as the exhibition is extensive. For opening hours and admission fees, check the museum's official information before visiting.