Vrana Palace, Royal residence and park in Iskar, Bulgaria.
Vrana Palace comprises two main structures: a 1904 hunting lodge and a larger palace built between 1909 and 1914, set on expansive grounds near Sofia. The complex features multiple rooms designed for royal purposes and blends different architectural approaches.
Tsar Ferdinand I purchased the grounds in 1898 and developed them as a royal retreat for the monarchy. After the monarchy was abolished in 1946, the estate entered state control until it returned to former King Simeon II decades later.
The interior blends Bulgarian Revival style with Art Nouveau details, and the Karelian Hall stands out for its furniture crafted from Russian birch wood. This blend shows how the royal family brought together European and regional artistic traditions.
The surrounding park opens to visitors on weekends and contains over 400 plant species throughout the grounds. A bus service connects the property directly to Sofia, making it easy to reach from the city center.
The estate changed hands several times: from royal residence to government headquarters, then a communist administrative center, before returning to the former King. This complex ownership history reflects different layers of use and preservation across the decades.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
