Largo, Square in central Sofia, Bulgaria

The Largo is a square in central Sofia, Bulgaria, surrounded by three large buildings from the 1950s. These buildings, arranged around Independence Square, include the former Party House with its spire, the Council of Ministers and TSUM department store, and the Presidential Administration with the Balkan Hotel.

The square was created in the 1950s on a site cleared after World War II bombing, with the buildings completed between 1955 and 1957. In 1990, a fire damaged the former Party House, and later the red star was removed and replaced by the Bulgarian flag.

Locals often call the square Largo, and it serves as a stage for official ceremonies and public gatherings. The yellow cobblestones and the mix of government buildings and shops give it a formal yet everyday feel, where people pass through on their daily routines.

The square is easy to reach on foot from nearby streets, and wide sidewalks and underpasses connect it to the metro and surrounding areas. Visitors can explore the open space at any time, but the light is best in the morning or late afternoon for seeing the buildings and the exposed ruins.

Beneath the square, glass domes reveal the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Serdica, which visitors can see without entering a museum. The square also connects to two metro stations through underpasses, making it a busy crossing point.