The Boyana, also known as the church of Saint Nicholas, and Saint Panteleimon, is well-known for its medieval frescoes. At the bottom of this page, check for tips on how to get to Boyana Church. Photos, from our recent visit to Boyana and the Historical Museum.
Boyana church is a cultural monument under UNESCO protection, famous for its murals and painting, located in the suburb at the foot of Mount Vitosha. This site is one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European medieval art and consists of 3 building.
The eastern church was built in the 10th century, then enlarged at the beginning of the 13th century with a second two-story building erected next to it, and a 3rd church established the beginning of the 19th.
The beautiful frescoes originate from the middle 13th century and are work of a team of unknown artists known as the Boyana Masters. These masters follow the classical composition of the iconography.
Their artistic work is bright and compact. The images and portrait characteristics emphasize radiate vitality, and vibrant spirituality, of the depicted donators’ figures.
There are about 240 such paintings in total and a couple that catches the attention and show the portraits of Kaloyan and his wife Dessislava and the Bulgarian Tsar and Tsarina. On the roof, there is a painting depicting Christ Pantocrator.
The frescoes on the second floor of the chapel of Saint Panteleimon differ in style from the rest. There are preserved fragments from the Annunciation, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and scenes from the life of the Saint.
The restoration of the church started in the middle of the 20th century and completed in 2006, following a fundraising campaign initiated by the National Museum of History.
National Historical Museum Sofia
Visitors can visit the National Historical Museum which is close by to get a more detailed insight into the remarkable history of this church.
Extra Tips
- Due to the beautiful but fragile nature of the murals inside, groups are allowed to stay in the church for only 15 minutes, but the sight of the sun streaming onto the pre-Renaissance art is well worth the wait.
- Free entrance to the National History Museum every last Monday of the month.
- The Boyana church is free to visit every Monday after 15:00.
- The entrance fee to both is €5.00 for adults, and €1.00 for students.
- There’s a combined ticket for both for €6.00.
How to Get to Boyana Church
Bus #63
Get it from Blv. Akad. Ivan Evstatiev Geshov.
Trolleybus #2 – the very last stop!
Get it at the Sofia University.
The National Museum of History is right across the ring road.
Taxi
Taxis are cheap compared to other European cities. If you don’t feel like switching two buses, the 12 km taxi ride won’t cost you more than €6 – €8.
