The church was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman rule, at which time its original medieval frescoes were destroyed.
A massive fire tower was built on the church's roof in the 19th century to watch for blazes across the expanding city.
The city of Sofia was officially renamed after this specific church in the 14th century, replacing the ancient name Serdica.
The underground museum houses an excavated necropolis with visible floor heating systems used by ancient Romans.
The church's brickwork exterior is characteristic of Byzantine construction techniques from the Early Christian era.
St. Sofia Church is a 6th-century Byzantine basilica that gives the city of Sofia its name. The current structure is the third church built on this site, resting atop ruins dating back to the Roman city of Serdica. Beneath the floor, visitors can explore a necropolis containing ancient Roman tombs and burial chambers. The architecture features a distinctive Greek cross floor plan with three naves and a domed roof. It has functioned variously as a mosque during the Ottoman period and a fire observation tower in the 19th century. Extensive archaeological excavations preserved in the underground museum showcase remains from the 2nd to the 4th centuries. The interior features remnants of original floral and geometric mosaics from the early Christian period. It remains an active Orthodox church hosting religious services alongside its role as a historical site.
The view of the red-brick exterior from the park area adjacent to the Unknown Soldier monument.
Prioritize visiting the underground museum, as it is separate from the main church nave and contains the most significant archaeological ruins.
Check for ongoing church services before entering, as tourists are expected to remain silent or leave during formal worship.
Do not attempt to take photographs inside the main church during active religious services.
The underground museum area may close earlier than the main church nave.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; hats should be removed upon entering the main nave.
