Life Under Communism - Small Group Guided Tour in Sofia

Discover the intriguing history of Bulgaria under communist rule from 1945 to 1990 on this small group guided tour. Explore a hidden park featuring authentic monuments from the communist era, while learning about daily life, economic organization, and restrictions faced by citizens. Delve into topics like media control, educational structures, and the oppressive measures of the regime.

Visit the 'Vaska Emanuilova' Gallery, home to significant sculptures from this period, with free entry included. The tour wraps up near a traditional restaurant reflecting communist style, perfect for a lunch stop.

• Small group tour exploring Bulgaria's communist history
• Visit a park with preserved monuments and limited walking distance
• Free entry to the 'Vaska Emanuilova' Gallery featuring propaganda art
• Option for lunch at a restaurant decorated in traditional communist style

Itinerary

1. 1 h 30 min

   Walk through a park near the city center, a hidden gem with authentic monuments from the communist era. 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.

What's included

• Visit to the gallery of 'Vaska Emanuilova'
• Information about life during the communist period in Bulgaria
• Guided tour in a park, with preserved authentic monuments from the communist time

What's not included

• Gratuities /tips/ to the guide - recommended in the end of the tour

Meeting point

Start time

10:00 · 11:00 · 11:30 · 12:00 · 13:00 · 14:00 · 15:00

End point

Languages

In-person guide: English

Travellers

• Adult (3–85)

Options

• Private tourfrom €30

  Private tour: A private tour just for you or your group.

  Start time: 10:00 · 11:00 · 12:00 · 13:00 · 14:00 · 15:00

  In-person guide: English

• Small Group Guided Tour from €20

  Small Group Tour: Small group shared tour

  Start time: 11:30

  In-person guide: English

Additional information

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.