The Forbidden Romance
The Bulgarian woman who stole the heart of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – years before he became the father of modern Turkey.
A CAPITAL AT THE DAWN OF 1900s
Secrets of
Belle Époque
Sofia
A time travel experience
Not a walking tour, but an immersive journey into the 1910s – the gossip, the romance and the hidden history behind the facades. A historic district of Sofia off the beaten path. Personal attention to each guest.
€ 40
PER GUEST
two hours · small group
THE INVITATION
A century ago, Sofia was a rising star of Europe.
Outstanding Austrian, German, Czech and Bulgarian architects transformed the young capital into a stylish, vibrant playground of the elite. Get to know the soul of the city through the life stories of distinguished personalities of the time.
Beyond the usual tourist trails lies a hidden district where lavish private mansions still stand, guarding the secrets of high society. Walk the cobblestones not as a spectator, but as part of Sofia’s golden era. Immerse yourself in the city’s Belle Époque accompanied by your guide in period dress.
The Walk
FOUR SECRETS · TWO HOURS
The Golden Froth
Where one of the legendary beer houses of Sofia stood, and why its founders mean much to the locals.
The General’s Quarter
Why the military elite chose the streets around Sofia University for their residences.
The Sweet Empire
The visionary known as the “King of Chocolate”.
THE ERA
Told by someone who dressed for it
Every detail is researched against the photographic record of the 1910s. It is not a costume – it is an argument about how the city carried itself. Want to see yourself as a citizen of Belle Époque Sofia too?
The album travels with us. Spaces are limited: you will be one of very few contemporary travellers to see these facades from the inside of their own century.
- 15
- GUESTS MAXIMUM
- 4
- SECRETS UNCOVERED
“We had walked past some of the buildings before and never noticed them. What a difference it made to see them from inside the century they were built for.”
YOUR GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE
Dafina Boshnakova
A passionate storyteller, founder of Old Sofia Tour
Dafina has spent years working as a local tour guide and knows in detail Sofia’s hidden stories. Together with her you will explore historic facts, tales and gossip difficult to find outside private archives and local libraries.
She personally leads every walk, in period wardrobe researched against the photographic record. With an album of original photographs in hand, together you will reveal the dazzling beauty of Sofia step by step.
- Wed · Sat
- SHE GUIDES IN PERSON
- EN
- LANGUAGE
- DURATION
- 2 hours
- GROUP
- 2 – 15 guests
- LANGUAGE
- English
- FROM
- € 40 per guest
Reserve the walk
Two walks a week. Limited spaces available. Private dates by arrangement.
- WHEN
- Every Wednesday and Saturday
at half past ten in the morning - MEETING POINT
- The main entrance of Sofia University
at the bottom of the steps - NO BOOKING?
- You may also sign up on the spot
if there is availability