Sofia: Life Under Communism Guided Tour

2 Hours

Overview

Meet your guide and begin your journey through Sofia’s communist past. Walk through a park near the city center, a hidden gem with authentic monuments from the communist era. Learn about the economy, education, and religious restrictions during this period.

Discover how the economy was organized, how people could buy a car, and why it was not allowed to celebrate Christmas. Learn about the common student brigades, when scholars and students had to work free for the state during the summers.

Learn about the control of the media, the propaganda, and the forced manifestations. Learn about the travel restrictions and the so-called ‘citizenship’. And finally, learn about the secret services and the oppressive measure of the regime.

Next, visit the 'Vaska Emanuilova Gallery', home to works by one of the most prominent sculptors of the communist period. She was designing many of the propaganda monuments for the regime, including the famous ‘Soviet Army’ sculpture.

End your tour near a traditional communist-style restaurant, where you can choose to enjoy a meal and reflect on the stories you’ve heard.

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Sofia

    The meeting point for the tour is in front of the embassy of Slovakia. The guide will hold a sign 'communist tour'. The tour takes place in the "Zaimov" park and ends next to restaurant Raketa Rakia Bar.

    The approximate duration is about 1.5 hours.

    This is a private tour. Can operate on any day, except Monday, and you can choose a starting time between 9:00 and 18.00.

    Reservations for the next day are accepted until 5 pm.

The price includes

  • Guided tour in a park, with preserved authentic monuments from the communist time
  • Visit to the gallery of 'Vaska Emanuilova'
  • Information about life during the communist period in Bulgaria
  • Discussion on economy, education, media control, travel restrictions, and secret services during communism

The price does not include

  • Gratuities /tips/ to the guide - optional in the end of the tour