The Central Baths

The Bath House or the Central Baths of Sofia were built in 1906 on the site of a former Turkish bath. The building is built in the Secession style, integrating typical Bulgarian, Byzantine and Orthodox ornamental elements. The interior includes indoor swimming pools and several rooms for body treatments.

From its inauguration, the baths were in operation until 1986, when the facilities were closed due to their poor condition and neglect. In fact, the copper that covered the three domes (the one on the main tower and those on the side towers) that crowned the building was stolen in the late 1980s to sell the metal on the black market.

The building is located in the city center, directly opposite the Banya Bashi mosque and within walking distance of the administrative building blocks in the center of the capital.

The building is in the process of being restored and once it is completed, it is planned to house the Sophia Historical Museum. Outside, on the other hand, the thermal waters that supplied the spa pools continue to flow. There are a number of fountains where locals go to fill up their water jugs and where you can stop for a drink if you are strolling around the centre of Sofia.