Church of St. Petka of the Saddlers, Sofia, Bulgaria
Church of St. Petka of the Saddlers (Sveta Petka Samardjiiska) is located in the center of Sofia. This tiny church was built in the XI century (according to other sources in the XIV century) on the former site of the IV century Roman religious building. The church was built in honor of the Bulgarian saint woman St. Petka (Paraskeva Bulgarian). The walls are 1 m thick, built of bricks and stones. If the external appearance of the church is too modest, the interior with its murals paintings made in XIV- XIX centuries with scenes from the New Testament is really exciting. Today, although paints are not so bright, the murals give an idea about the Orthodox faith of Bulgarians under the Ottoman yoke.
From the sidewalk you can see only the roof tiling consecrated in honor of St. Peter, the patron saint of saddlers (which reflected in the name).
According to one of the versions, a Bulgarian national hero Vasil Levski was buried in the church. Disagreements and discussions on the matter do not end till now.
You can get the church through the underpass under the Independence Square and go where it is adjacent to the area of Sveta Nedelya Square.
Sveta Nedelya Square. Opening hours: 7.00-19.00. Entrance fee.
By Lilit Vanesyan, www.building.am