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Communist Walking Tour of Sofia: Discover Life on the Eastern Side of the Iron Curtain
4.9
539 Ratings
Sofia
Experience what life was like behind the Iron Curtain by participating in our Communist tour. This comprehensive tour, lasting approximately 3-3.5 hours, covers a 45-year epoch, including the events that shaped it and its repercussions. Our main objective is to provide an unbiased, enlightening portrayal of this contentious era in history.
Experience what life was like behind the Iron Curtain by participating in our Communist tour. This comprehensive tour, lasting approximately 3-3.5 hours, covers a 45-year epoch, including the events that shaped it and its repercussions. Our main objective is to provide an unbiased, enlightening portrayal of this contentious era in history.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Sofia Court House - The first stop of the Sofia Communist Tour.
- 365 Association Sofia Tours - The Palace of Justice in Sofia is the starting point of the Sofia Communist Tour.
- Ancient Orthodox Church Saint Parascheva - the Old “St. Petka” - A hidden church. Religion during the Communist period.
- The Presidency Building - The…
- Sofia Court House - The first stop of the Sofia Communist Tour.
- 365 Association Sofia Tours - The Palace of Justice in Sofia is the starting point of the Sofia Communist Tour.
- Ancient Orthodox Church Saint Parascheva - the Old “St. Petka” - A hidden church. Religion during the Communist period.
- The Presidency Building - The arrival of the Soviet Army in Bulgaria.
- Former Bulgarian Communist Party Headquarters - The Largo Complex in the heart of Sofia. Story of the Red Star and Statue of Lenin.
- City Garden - The story of the Mausoleum
- National Art Gallery - The building of the Former Royal Palace during the early communist days.
- Soviet Army Monument - Sofia’s most controversial monument and graffiti art. Early uprisings against the communist regime.
- National Palace of Culture (NDK) - Sofia’s biggest communist landmark and a famous cultural hub.
- Berlin Wall - Final stop of the tour. The story of how it all ended.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Local guide
- Professional guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Sofia City Court
bulevard "Vitosha"
Outside the Palace of Justice, at the corner of Vistosha Boulevard and Alabin Street
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(539 Ratings)
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X465oemichellew
Sep 30, 2024
Really interesting tour. - An excellent tour with Niki. 4 kilometres so wear comfy shoes but lots of stops and absolutely fascinating. A different perspective on the city and its culture. Recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terrymichelle_w
Sep 26, 2024
Great tour - recommended. - Great tour, really interesting. Nikki was a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. Quite long but not too arduous or difficult. Recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Carla_u
Sep 12, 2024
Nice experience - Very Nice, I learned to much about the country. The guide was very friendly and knows a lot about the history of the country, he also provided experiences that are a plus for this type of tours.
Review provided by Viator
611rianc
Sep 9, 2024
Book this Tour - Our tour was amazing, thank you to Vasil, who was incredible throughout. Would highly recommend going on this tour if you are visiting Sofia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adrian_c
Sep 8, 2024
The history behind Sofia - This tour is a great explanation of how communism has moulded Bulgaria. Vasko was very engaging, fluent and friendly. He made time to everyone’s questions.
I was worried that 3-3.5 hours would be too lengthy but often when we stopped you could sit and listen. There was also a short break in the middle if you needed to buy a drink. Because the tour was so fascinating the time flew.
You can wonder around a beautiful city but not be aware of why and how it has evolved. This tour brings history alive.
Review provided by Viator
Jessika_r
Sep 6, 2024
Exceedingly entertaining and educational! - Nikola was an excellent guide. He was professional and incredibly knowledgeable about this fascinating time period. He was so humorous and entertaining that the three hour tour just seemed to evaporate!
He expertly managed a group with some unique personalities and seamlessly guided us through history, even sharing pictures of historical photos and familial anecdotes. If you are even remotely interested in communism or Bulgaria’s history then this tour is a MUST. I am sure all the guides are wonderful but if you have the opportunity to go with Nikola, I can’t recommend him enough!
Review provided by Viator
Annelie_h
Sep 4, 2024
Nicola is a storyteller about communisme in Bulgaria - Nicola is a master in telling about this history of Bulgaria and in keeping the group interested in the subject. As I was by far the oldest of the group and has visited Sofia 50 years ago, it was motivating to see so many young people interested in this subject.
Review provided by Viator
Compass42919204612
Sep 3, 2024
Grandios - Nikola gave us a highly informative tour in a very funny and charming way. The overall format is very consistent and highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sylwia_j
Sep 3, 2024
Superb! - This was the most outstanding walking tour I have ever done. The organisation was impeccable and the guide demonstrated extensive knowledge. I came away with significantly deeper understanding of communism’s origins in Bulgaria and its impact on lives of everyday citizens. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in this subject, especially those who, like me, have found challenging to find comprehensive literature on this topic.
Review provided by Viator
Relaxee
Sep 18, 2024
More insight into the horrors of life rather than just a building x and y - Disappointed that it sensed to be an apology for the socialist regime. Did not cover the extreme cruelty of the communist state but rather pointed out the increase in literacy over the 35 years of rule. The acceptance of the last leader as a cult following. The buildings were pointed out rebuilding the city after the destruction in WW2.. no mention of the ethic cleanings in 1989… skims the lack of reeducation of population in the 1990s about the horrific treatment of the peasants.
I expected to be shocked and horrified m. Instead I am told that of course communism didn’t exist as it was a socialist state until the re education and worldwide adoption of socialism existed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor