National Archaeological Museum

Sofia, Bulgaria

The National Archaeological Museum, in the centre of Sofia, occupies the building of the largest and oldest former Ottoman mosque in the city, originally known as Koca Mahmut Paşa Camii. The construction started in 1451 under grand vizier Veli Mahmud Pasha but due to his death in 1474 the mosque has been completed in 1494. The museum was established as a separate entity in 1893 as the National Museum directed by Czech Václav Dobruský with its headquarters in the former mosque that previously housed the National Library between 1880 and 1893.

Collections

Prehistory Hall displays a collection of items dating from between 1,600,000 BC and 1,600 BC. The collection is chronologically displayed and includes various findings from caves around Bulgaria, tools of the earliest humans who inhabited its modern territory, drawings, simple pottery, ritual items and many others.

Treasury displays grave inventory and other treasures from the late Bronze Age to late Antiquity. Two of the most well-known Bulgarian treasures are located here: the Valchitran and Lukovit Treasures. Main Hall hosts a collection of diverse items ranging from ancient Thrace, Greece and Rome to the late Middle Ages.

The medieval Section includes a gallery of medieval books, woodwork, drawings, metal objects and other items characteristic of the era.

References:

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Address

Saborna 2, Sofia, Bulgaria
See all sites in Sofia

Details

Founded: 1892
Category: Museums in Bulgaria

More Information

naim.bg
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Yuriko Hosaka (11 months ago)
The former mosque is now used as a museum. All of the artworks are wonderful, and you can experience the enrich and splendor of history. Students had a discounted rate. Please go and enjoy.
Mile Iloski (11 months ago)
I have been there before. This time was a special occasion for opening of the exhibition 105 years since the discovery of the graves and golden masks in Trebenishta, Ohrid, Macedonia. I highly recommend seeing the exhibition.
Bruna S. S. (13 months ago)
The National Archaeological Museum, located in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a prominent institution that showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including items from the prehistoric, ancient, and medieval periods. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and more, providing insights into the evolution of Bulgarian civilization. The museum plays a crucial role in preserving and presenting Bulgaria's archaeological heritage, offering a captivating journey through the country's past.
Wendy Law (13 months ago)
This museum has many treasures. The items are obviously amazing, but I do wish that the museum were more organized especially in the ground floor. It wasn’t categorized in any sort of order or theme that I could make sense of. And I’m between the ancient items, it’s interspersed with contemporary art. While I absolutely support and love contemporary art, but it was out of place and seemly not related to the exhibition. The jewelry room upstairs however was a bit more organized and new. It was also the cooler room with AC. The rest of the museum was extremely hot. If you are in town, it’s still worth a quick visit. You can see everything in an hour.
Joe Macpherson (14 months ago)
Decent museum. 3 floors of exhibitions with detailed English information. Lots of historical relics here from many ages including Roman and Greek. The highlight is the golden face mask on the 3rd floor. Staff were efficient rather than friendly. Entry is 6 euros. Stay time approx 90 minutes. No AC or wifi
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