Boyana Church

Booking ahead of time is vital, as access to the church’s interior is limited. An admission ticket to Boyana Church is included on most city tours, which put Sofia’s numerous historical landmarks into context. Tours with round-trip transfers from Sofia provide hassle-free access to other distant destinations, such as Mt. Vitosha, Rila Monastery and, in some cases, Macedonia and Serbia, while guided exploration provides more intimate insight into the church and can be arranged on admission.

• Boyana Church is a must for anyone interested in art, history, religion, architecture, or culture.

• A maximum of 10 people may enter Boyana Church at once, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere at all times.

• You can purchase an admission ticket ahead of time to secure a time slot that most suits your schedule.

• Time allowed inside is strictly limited to 15 minutes.

• No photos or videos are permitted inside the church.

Boyana Church is located on the southeast outskirts of the city, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. Most travelers opt for private transfer by taxi or tour, but the church is also served by the 107 or 64 bus. Parking is available nearby.

Independent visitors should arrive early in the morning or after lunch to avoid group tours that have guaranteed access for a specific slot. On sunny days, it's worth taking advantage of the church’s close proximity to Vitosha Nature Park, home to many picturesque hiking routes.

Further south in the Rila Mountains, Bulgaria’s largest monastery also holds UNESCO-listed status. The Eastern Orthodox Rila Monastery dates back to the 10th century and draws visitors with its unique religious artwork, scenic surroundings, and Bulgarian Renaissance architecture. The monastery opens daily, and with some planning, it’s possible to tick off both landmarks in just one trip.