The Ivan Vazov National Theater

On 3 April in 1879 the Constituent Assembly in Veliko Tarnovo elected the city of Sofia capital of the Principality of Bulgaria. Sofia opens its doors to European modern tendencies.

Founded in 1904 by the artists from the “Salza i Smyah” theatre, initially, it was called simply the National Theatre, but soon after it was named after the prominent Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov. The theatre’s Neoclassical building, designed by famous Viennese theatre architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner, was finished in 1906 and opened in 1907. A theatrical school was established as part of the National Theatre in 1925.

A fire in 1923 and the bobmings in the World Was II seriously damaged the building, so the theater had a few reconstructions during the time. The number of seats in the main hall was increased, the scene was more spacious and modern equipment was provided. Virtually the original appearence of the theater was preserved, however, changes were made in the volume, interior and facade.

The “Ivan Vazov” National Theatre is Bulgaria’s biggest theatre, as well as the oldest and most stand out and most imposing theatre in the country. This theatre is one of the major landmarks in Sofia due to its prime location and grandiose architecture.

Transport accessibility: at centre of Sofia

Tourist infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, shops, Tourist Information Centre