Historic Landmark
Rotunda St. George

Rotunda "St. George " in Sofia is in good condition and a steady stream of tourists every year. Located in the courtyard between the Sheraton Hotel and the Presidency , the church is protected from possible vandalism or treasure-hunting . Survival and best preserved almost entirely today , suggesting that it had become some of the most important meetings of the Ecumenical Council of Serdica . The story of the rotunda is rich and fully reveal life in the Bulgarian lands throughout the centuries. Nowadays it is considered the oldest building in the city , built at a time when Sofia was the residence of the emperors Galerius and Constantine the Great. Initial studies of the "St. George " made ​​by prominent Bulgarian archaeologist and historian - professor Bogdan Filov in 1915 , 1921 and 1932 In the late 80 -ies of XX century completes restoration and conservation of the church is gaining today its as close to the late antique and medieval prototype form. The Rotunda was built of red bricks with complicated symmetric . Itself is a central rotunda dome is round on a square base with semicircular niches in the corners. From IV century was used for conversions . Dome rises to 13.70 m from the floor. Over the millennia of its existence has been invoked as a social, religious and even impressive building .

They are very significant and memorable moments and facts from long history of the temple. It is believed that it was part of a larger archaeological complex of the late III- IV century early Experts define it as one of the most beautiful buildings in the so-called . " Konstantinov neighborhood" of Serdica -Sredets , where he was palace of Emperor Constantine the Great , and later of Kaloyan .

Among the important frescoes preserved is the one displayed in X century - most likely at the time of Tsar Simeon I the Great, Tsar Peter I and Tsar Samuil . Unique is soulful and human image of the angel's head , displayed under the dome , it is probably , if not the only , the most influential work, which gives us an idea of the high craftsmanship of the Bulgarian School of Art from the Golden Age of the First Bulgarian Empire . According to some experts , it surpasses many samples later Boyana Church and the Italian pre-Renaissance .

In the rotunda "St. George " twice kept relics of the heavenly patron of Bulgaria - Ivan Rilski . Originally buried here and Serbian King Stefan Milutin saint whose relics were later transferred to the church of Saint King ( today's Cathedral "Holy Sunday" ) .

During the Ottoman rule the church was converted into a mosque . In the middle of the XIX century , among other hravome in the capital, she returned to her old designation of a church .

Today at the Rotunda "St. George " in special instances, a formal military ceremonies and concerts with Orthodox and classical music.