The Former Communist Party House crowns Independence Square and the Largo, a district that represents postwar Soviet Sofia. The monumental neoclassical structure was built in the 1950s and was an icon of communist Bulgaria. Admire the building’s grand architecture and learn about some of the country’s modern history.
Stroll down Independence Square and see the imposing Former Communist Party House standing at the square’s eastern end. Along the sides of the square are monumental buildings, but the Former Communist Party House’s façade dominates the streetscape. The building was designed by a team of architects, which included the Bulgarian architect Tsolov and the Soviet architect Blochin.
Walk around the wedge-shaped building to take in views of its classically inspired designs. Admire its ornamental portico and rocket-shaped spire. This spire once held an enormous red star aloft, symbolizing Communist rule. In 1990, however, the people of Bulgaria attempted to torch the structure in protest against the communist regime and the red star was replaced with the Bulgarian flag. At this time, Central Committee of the Communist Party in Bulgaria departed their offices in the building.
Today, the building mainly contains government offices for the National Assembly of Bulgaria. Occasionally, the magnificent Sofia Hall inside the building is used for charity events. You can see the red star on display in Sofia’s Museum of Socialist Art, located in the suburb of Izgrev.
The Former Communist Party House is located in central historic Sofia in the neighborhood known as Largo. The nearest subway station is a few minutes’ walk away, at Serdika station. The Former Communist Party House is not accessible to the public, but you can admire its magnificent design from the street and Independence Square.
Seek out other Soviet-era buildings and examples of postwar architecture elsewhere in this district. Other attractions in the area include the National Archaeological Museum, Sveta Petka Church, Sveta Nedelya Church and the National Art Gallery.
