Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Vicissitudes of Saint George Rotunda

4
Photo: pravoslavieto.com

Sofia offers unlimited opportunities for historical walks. The Saint George Rotunda is among the most-visited sites in Bulgaria’s capital. This is the oldest ancient building in the capital city which was relatively well preserved. It was built in the beginning of the 4th century AD during the rule of Emperor Constantine the Great and the upsurge of Ancient Serdica (the old name of Sofia)


Saint George Rotunda is located at the heart of the capital city in the inner yard of the Presidency building only several meters away from the remains of the ancient fortress Serdica. The oval room- the Rotunda has a height of 14 meters and diameter of 9.5 meters. Its altar room has a square shape and the main entrance of the rotunda is located on the western wall.

When the Roman Empire allowed Christianity, the rotunda started serving as baptistery. During the reign of Emperor Justinian the Great, Saint George Rotunda became a church. Its oldest frescoes date balk to that period. The temple survived the Ottoman Rule as well.

You can learn details about the history of one of the most emblematic monuments of culture in Sofia in the publication of Radio Bulgaria’s collection: The Rotunda of Saint George- ancient history and mysteries.

Photos: pravoslavieto.com



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

Gallery

More from category

Cheesefare Sunday reminds us of the meaning of forgiveness and Christ’s infinite love

Sunday after Mesni Zagovezni or Meat Shrovetide is the last day on which everyone who decides to follow the Great Lent according to the Orthodox calendar can eat dairy products, fish and eggs. Therefore, on Cheesefare Sunday before..

published on 2/26/23 8:00 AM
Maestro Diko Iliev meets with a military orchestra

Iskarsko Horo- Diko Iliev’s first horo

Diko Iliev- composer, conductor, a sui generis talent, a unique phenomenon in Bulgarian culture - authored dozens of marches, waltzes, horo chain dances, ruchenitsi and  brass band music . For decades, Diko Iliev’s Dunavsko Horo has been..

published on 2/17/23 6:05 AM

The first guest on Saint Ignatius’ Day blesses our home

On December 20, we pay homage to the holy martyr ‎Ignatius the God-bearer. According to the holy books,  Ignatius was the child mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. The evangelist describes the dispute between Christ's apostles about who among them..

published on 12/20/22 8:05 AM