City Garden, Urban park in central Sofia, Bulgaria.
City Garden is an urban park in central Sofia with tree-lined paths, decorative fountains, and numerous benches surrounding the Ivan Vazov National Theatre building. The grounds provide direct access to the National Art Gallery and Sofia City Art Gallery nearby.
It was transformed from private Ottoman land into public space in 1878 following Bulgaria's liberation and the arrival of Russian Emperor Alexander II. This shift marked a turning point in how the city organized its public grounds.
Locals gather daily at stone tables throughout the grounds for chess matches and conversation. Seasonal markets and food vendors appear here, drawing people from across the city.
The park sits between Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard and Joseph Vladimirovich Gourko Street, making it easy to locate. You can move through it at your own pace and easily combine a visit with nearby art galleries.
In 1895, around 300 people gathered here before setting out on an organized hike to Cherni vrah peak. This assembly is considered the beginning of organized tourism in Bulgaria.
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