The Central Mineral Baths (Централна минерална баня, Tsentralna mineralna banya) is a landmark in the city center of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, a city known for the mineral springs in the area. It was built in the early 20th century near the former Turkish bath (then destroyed) and was used as the city's public baths until 1986.
Public baths have existed in Sofia since at least the 16th century. During the visit of Bohemian traveler Hans Dernschwam to Sofia in 1553–1555, Derschwam noted the presence of 1 large bath and 2 smaller baths on either side of the city. Dernschwam described the baths as follows:
Lacking the atmosphere most European museums possess and bringing you the feeling of a small regional history installation, the Sofia Museum actually tells you the story of my city quite accurate and in an understanding way. It is possible they make the tour inside a bit more consistent (with maps, arrows, signs, periods, etc.), but overall it’s a great experience. I recommend it.
Tablet 1Jan 27, 2018
I enjoyed the whole experience in here! The square in front of the building has its own unique style and looks very jice. The architecture of this museum speak for it self. Like it was not made as museum but still it fits perfectly. The employee here are very communicative and willing to help and explain things. Very nice place! Must visit! The price is acceptable and it is more than worth of paying. P.S. I must admit that staff do not speak English fluently but you will find a way to comunicate if you make an effort.
jelena jadzicJan 14, 2018
Very interesting place with a good location - in the very center of Sofia, next to an underground station and entirely natural extension of the historical ruins around. It has been a bath earlier, the architecture, in fact the whole outside of the building is something ectraordinary. Next to the museum is a small park and you have around on a short walking distance almost all main historic buildings of Sofia.
Georgi IvanovJan 7, 2018
Wonderful experience! Interesting and well-made, easy to navigate and captured the interest of even our 6-year-olds.
Γιάννης ΚαραλάκοςJan 6, 2018
Very interesting museum to visit. It took me about an hour to view all halls
Denitsa StefanovaFeb 6, 2018
Really really interesting information here, fantastic artifacts and informative videos. I loved it.
Margaret ReillyMar 31, 2018
Very interesting museum showing the full history of Sofia from ancient times to the present-day. Extra charge for taking photographs here.
colm nestorMar 19, 2018
Unfortunately i cannot make own opinion due my visit was museum closed sue eatern holiday. I suppossed it will be nice because every bigger city has its own museum on high level. Next time surely i will visit
Andrej ŽiakMay 4, 2018
The building is beautiful. The museum has a small colection of pre-roman civilitations that I personally consider more interesting. It is interesting though.
Fernando DávilaMay 4, 2018
I'd like to only note the manners when selling adminission. Buy ticket to only pernament exhibition is not possible. You need to pay to all temporary exhibition. This simply isn't fair.
Michal KopeckýApr 15, 2018
It is a beautiful building but it is not a public mineral baths anymore plus a few dodgy people outside so be careful.
VictorApr 9, 2018
Decent museum. Explained in chronological order. If you really enjoy Byzantine religious art there's a wonderful gallery dedicated to it. Only downside is you have to pay to take photos. Staff spoke English and were helpful.
Aditya JhalaJun 1, 2018
Very interesting. A must see in a city rich in history, artifacts and ruins spanning 8,000 years.
Ken RothmanJun 11, 2018
Great museum! A wonderfully presented collection of important elements of Bulgarian history and culture. Definitely worth visiting !
Dimitris ArgyrisJun 29, 2018
This collection of ancient, natural springs near Sofia’s Regional History Museum were turned into a public drinking station in the 20th century. Sofia is famous for its naturally heated springs, which reach temperatures of between 86 degrees Fahrenheit and 194 degrees Fahrenheit...!!!
HARSH PATELJun 26, 2018
Lacking the atmosphere most European museums possess and bringing you the feeling of a small regional history installation, the Sofia Museum actually tells you the story of my city quite accurate and in an understanding way. It is possible they make the tour inside a bit more consistent (with maps, arrows, signs, periods, etc.), but overall it’s a great experience. I recommend it.
Tablet 1Jan 27, 2018
I enjoyed the whole experience in here! The square in front of the building has its own unique style and looks very jice. The architecture of this museum speak for it self. Like it was not made as museum but still it fits perfectly. The employee here are very communicative and willing to help and explain things. Very nice place! Must visit! The price is acceptable and it is more than worth of paying. P.S. I must admit that staff do not speak English fluently but you will find a way to comunicate if you make an effort.
jelena jadzicJan 14, 2018
Very interesting place with a good location - in the very center of Sofia, next to an underground station and entirely natural extension of the historical ruins around. It has been a bath earlier, the architecture, in fact the whole outside of the building is something ectraordinary. Next to the museum is a small park and you have around on a short walking distance almost all main historic buildings of Sofia.
Georgi IvanovJan 7, 2018
Wonderful experience! Interesting and well-made, easy to navigate and captured the interest of even our 6-year-olds.
Γιάννης ΚαραλάκοςJan 6, 2018
Very interesting museum to visit. It took me about an hour to view all halls
Denitsa StefanovaFeb 6, 2018
Really really interesting information here, fantastic artifacts and informative videos. I loved it.
Margaret ReillyMar 31, 2018
Very interesting museum showing the full history of Sofia from ancient times to the present-day. Extra charge for taking photographs here.
colm nestorMar 19, 2018
Unfortunately i cannot make own opinion due my visit was museum closed sue eatern holiday. I suppossed it will be nice because every bigger city has its own museum on high level. Next time surely i will visit
Andrej ŽiakMay 4, 2018
The building is beautiful. The museum has a small colection of pre-roman civilitations that I personally consider more interesting. It is interesting though.
Fernando DávilaMay 4, 2018
I'd like to only note the manners when selling adminission. Buy ticket to only pernament exhibition is not possible. You need to pay to all temporary exhibition. This simply isn't fair.
Michal KopeckýApr 15, 2018
It is a beautiful building but it is not a public mineral baths anymore plus a few dodgy people outside so be careful.
VictorApr 9, 2018
Decent museum. Explained in chronological order. If you really enjoy Byzantine religious art there's a wonderful gallery dedicated to it. Only downside is you have to pay to take photos. Staff spoke English and were helpful.
Aditya JhalaJun 1, 2018
Very interesting. A must see in a city rich in history, artifacts and ruins spanning 8,000 years.
Ken RothmanJun 11, 2018
Great museum! A wonderfully presented collection of important elements of Bulgarian history and culture. Definitely worth visiting !
Dimitris ArgyrisJun 29, 2018
This collection of ancient, natural springs near Sofia’s Regional History Museum were turned into a public drinking station in the 20th century. Sofia is famous for its naturally heated springs, which reach temperatures of between 86 degrees Fahrenheit and 194 degrees Fahrenheit...!!!
HARSH PATELJun 26, 2018
Lacking the atmosphere most European museums possess and bringing you the feeling of a small regional history installation, the Sofia Museum actually tells you the story of my city quite accurate and in an understanding way. It is possible they make the tour inside a bit more consistent (with maps, arrows, signs, periods, etc.), but overall it’s a great experience. I recommend it.
Tablet 1Jan 27, 2018
I enjoyed the whole experience in here! The square in front of the building has its own unique style and looks very jice. The architecture of this museum speak for it self. Like it was not made as museum but still it fits perfectly. The employee here are very communicative and willing to help and explain things. Very nice place! Must visit! The price is acceptable and it is more than worth of paying. P.S. I must admit that staff do not speak English fluently but you will find a way to comunicate if you make an effort.
jelena jadzicJan 14, 2018
Very interesting place with a good location - in the very center of Sofia, next to an underground station and entirely natural extension of the historical ruins around. It has been a bath earlier, the architecture, in fact the whole outside of the building is something ectraordinary. Next to the museum is a small park and you have around on a short walking distance almost all main historic buildings of Sofia.
Georgi IvanovJan 7, 2018
Wonderful experience! Interesting and well-made, easy to navigate and captured the interest of even our 6-year-olds.
Γιάννης ΚαραλάκοςJan 6, 2018
Very interesting museum to visit. It took me about an hour to view all halls
Denitsa StefanovaFeb 6, 2018
Really really interesting information here, fantastic artifacts and informative videos. I loved it.
Margaret ReillyMar 31, 2018
Very interesting museum showing the full history of Sofia from ancient times to the present-day. Extra charge for taking photographs here.
colm nestorMar 19, 2018
Unfortunately i cannot make own opinion due my visit was museum closed sue eatern holiday. I suppossed it will be nice because every bigger city has its own museum on high level. Next time surely i will visit
Andrej ŽiakMay 4, 2018
The building is beautiful. The museum has a small colection of pre-roman civilitations that I personally consider more interesting. It is interesting though.
Fernando DávilaMay 4, 2018
I'd like to only note the manners when selling adminission. Buy ticket to only pernament exhibition is not possible. You need to pay to all temporary exhibition. This simply isn't fair.
Michal KopeckýApr 15, 2018
It is a beautiful building but it is not a public mineral baths anymore plus a few dodgy people outside so be careful.
VictorApr 9, 2018
Decent museum. Explained in chronological order. If you really enjoy Byzantine religious art there's a wonderful gallery dedicated to it. Only downside is you have to pay to take photos. Staff spoke English and were helpful.
Aditya JhalaJun 1, 2018
Very interesting. A must see in a city rich in history, artifacts and ruins spanning 8,000 years.
Ken RothmanJun 11, 2018
Great museum! A wonderfully presented collection of important elements of Bulgarian history and culture. Definitely worth visiting !
Dimitris ArgyrisJun 29, 2018
This collection of ancient, natural springs near Sofia’s Regional History Museum were turned into a public drinking station in the 20th century. Sofia is famous for its naturally heated springs, which reach temperatures of between 86 degrees Fahrenheit and 194 degrees Fahrenheit...!!!
HARSH PATELJun 26, 2018
Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |