Sofia: Life Under Communism - Small Group Guided Tour
ID: GYG1245662-1909158
Category:
Country: Bulgaria
Duration:
01:30 hours
Description
Explore Sofia's communist past on a guided tour. Visit a park with preserved monuments, explore the 'Vaska Emanuilova' Gallery, and learn about life under the regime.
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.
Highlights
- Discover what life was like in Bulgaria during the communist period
- Learn about the economy, education, and media control under the regime
- Visit a park with preserved monuments from the communist era
- Explore the 'Vaska Emanuilova' Gallery and see propaganda sculptures
- End your tour near a restaurant decorated in a traditional communist style
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The tour takes place in a park near the city center, which is a 'hidden gem' with preserved authentic monuments from the communist time.
The walking distance is limited, making it easily accessible to everyone.
The entrance to the gallery of Vaska Emanuilova is free.
The meeting point of the tour is in front of the embassy of Slovakia. Please be there 10 minutes before the starting time. The guide will hold a sign 'communist tour'.
INCLUDED
- 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
NOT INCLUDED
- Gratuities /tips/ to the guide - optional in the end of the tour
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
