government, Sofia

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It was built in 1954 as the headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party. The building dominates the area with its facade of a Neo-Classical colonnade, on top of this is a spire. After the political changes of 1989 the Communists were advised to take down the huge red star that adorned the spire. This didn't happen and in 1990 crowds attacked the building and set fire to the lower floors. The building has since been renovated and now belongs to Bulgaria's Parliament.

This 20th century building is the office of Bulgaria's president. It shares a courtyard with the Sheraton Hotel. The courtyard contains the Rotunda of St George. The main entrance is guarded by soldiers dressed in 19th century red and white parade uniforms. The changing of the guard takes place every hour throughout the day.

Sofia's Presidential Palace, like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, has a constant guard of soldiers in formal dress. You can watch them change every hour (I think), which is kind of fun, because the government buildings are all imposing, grey Stalinist buildings and the current uniforms are colourful and exciting. The soldiers parade in small formations in front of the building's entrance (across from the Archeological Museum).

The Presidential Palace is opposite the National Parliament in the centre of Sofia and presents less striking characteristics of the post-War Stalinist style than does the Parliament building. Its another massive building that dominates the centre with little appeal for picture takers. The main draw is around the corner, where you can see the changing of the guard, or on the opposite side of the Presidential Palace where the Rotunda and a small church are enclosed by the government buildings.

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This used to be the Communist Party building with a red star on the top. As you can see, there's no star today, but the purpose is more or less the same-the state offices are here.

To the right, you can see the Presidency, and to the left-the Council of Ministers.

The Former Communist Party Building and present National Assembly.....there's also the entrance to the metro station in the subway at the front with the church of St Petka
On top of the pilon there was once a rubin red star, that I think was lit in the night. After the fall of the communism in 1989 it was taken away as an unwanted symbol of the old regime. The right side was put on fire during a political demonstration...
The building on the left is TZUM - the biggest shopping mole in Sofia and on the righ it's the Sheraton Hotel

The changing of the guard is always fun to watch. Guards are stationed on the east side of the large goverment building located directly behind the Sofia Sheraton. Or directly across the street from the Archealogical Museum.

The former building of the communist party is a typical huge building of the stalinist era. For almost 40 years a red star crowned the building, but of course it was removed in 1990. Today this building has become a multiple purpose building, hosting goverment offices and even a cinema.