Banya Bashi Mosque, Ottoman mosque in central Sofia, Bulgaria
Banya Bashi Mosque is a four-sided building with a large central dome, smaller domes at each corner, and a minaret beside it, constructed from brick and stone. The structure demonstrates how important religious buildings were designed and built at that time.
The building was constructed in 1566 by a renowned architect named Mimar Sinan for a high Ottoman official when the Ottomans ruled Sofia. Its construction reflects the power and resources of that era in Bulgaria's history.
The mosque displays a blend of Ottoman and Byzantine features that become visible in how the prayer hall is designed. When you walk through, you notice how both traditions influenced the proportions and details of the interior space.
The mosque sits next to the city's well-known thermal baths and is easy to locate from central Sofia. It is accessible to visitors, though you should be aware that prayer times occur throughout the day and respectful behavior is expected.
The building takes its name from the hot springs flowing beneath it, which still send heat to the surface today. It remains the only active Islamic place of worship from medieval times still used for prayer in Sofia.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Council of Ministers of Bulgaria
208 m
Saint George Rotunda Church
296 m
St Nedelya Church
316 m
Statue of Sveta Sofia
197 m
Royal Palace
482 m
Sofia Synagogue
154 m
Party House
306 m
Serdica
175 m
Sofia Public Mineral Baths
92 m
National Art Gallery
478 m
National Archaeological Institute with Museum
383 m
Sofia Court House
488 m
Saint Petka of the Saddlemakers Church
190 m
Central Sofia Market Hall
92 m
Saint Petka the Old Church
352 m
Cathedral of St Joseph, Sofia
254 m
Saint Nicholas Church
410 m
Bulgarian President's Office
298 m
Regional History Museum - Sofia
90 m
City Garden
549 m
Ascension of Jesus Church
261 m
Great Mosque of Sofia
390 m
Sofia City Art Gallery
639 m
Holy Trinity Romanian church in Sofia
223 m
Sofia State Archives
416 m
Паметник на независимостта
452 m
Nikolay Binev Youth Theatre
403 m
Presidency of Bulgaria
328 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes