Archeological Level (Underground galleries) of the St. Sofia Basilica

Overview

The underground galleries of the St. Sofia Basilica reveal the ancient past of the city.

While walking in the city center of Sofia one rarely thinks that just a few meters below the boulevards and squares, there is another, unknown city, lost in darkness and obscurity. It is the ancient Serdica - one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. Emperor Constantine the Great used to say "Serdica is my Rome" and even though of making it the capital of his vast dominions.

The underground museum opened in 2013. It extends over 600 square meters and has three levels depending on the dating of the excavated sites. The entrance is from the basilica itself. A glass staircase leads to this peculiar city of the dead, where silence reigns. Here eternity is lurking behind every wall and tomb. Visitors can see burial facilities dating back to the 3rd and the 5th century. 

Not everyone could afford to be buried in such a tomb, so mostly reach people were buried here.  Many precious personal belongings of the deceased people, such as jewelry, rings, bracelets, and coins are found and exhibited.

The underground museum is yet to be expanded. Multimedia screens now show visitors short films about the history of the city.