Boyana Church
Lying 8km (5 miles) southwest of Sofia, this is one of Bulgaria’s most cherished treasures and an absolute must-visit. The tiny medieval church was closed to the public for 38 years while it underwent restoration work, finally reopening in 2000. It is best known for its exquisite 13th-century frescoes, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. These are renowned for their realism and considered among the best examples of the Bulgaria’s medieval art. Boyana is one of ten Bulgarian cultural monuments included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites (seven of which are cultural sites, three natural). In fact, it’s so hallowed that admission is restricted to 10 minutes in the company of a guide. Accessed by minibus 21 from Boulevard Patriarh Evtimly.
