Boyana Church: Visit This Site In The Capital Of Bulgaria

Boyana Church, which is situated on the outskirts of the capital of Bulgaria called, Sofia, consists of three buildings.

By the beginning of the 13th century, Sebastocrator Kaloyan expanded the Eastern Church, constructed in the 10th century. He was the one who ordered that there should be a second building that needed to be erected just next to it.

In 1259, the second church's frescoes were painted, making it an essential collection of medieval paintings. Thus, the ensemble of the third church was not completed until the 19th century, and it is among the best examples of medieval art in Eastern Europe.

It is a small church or the smallest one you have ever found. The total area of the church is not large, and that is why it is also considered the smallest World Heritage Site.

You may not find it unique from the outside, but the real treasure you can find is inside. As the church is on the outskirts of Sofia, getting it is a bit tedious.

It is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site that is in Bulgaria that is an Orthodox Church from the medieval period. A UNESCO listing was given to the church in 1979. It is renowned for the Boyana Church's Frescoes from the year 1259.

History & Formation

Boyana Church is one of the oldest and smallest churches you can find in the history of churches. By the 10th century, the Eastern Church was under construction in Sofia.

At that time, it was a groundbreaking project. Later in the 13th century, Sebastocrator Kaloyan increased the area of the church by adding the central wing. Finally, in the 19th century, the Boyana church was further constructed just next to the original church.

The church is famous for its monumental paintings. There are about 89 scenes and 240 images of humans. It even came under UNESCO because the frescoes have preserved the monuments in Europe from the Middle Ages. Bulgaria and Europe both recognize its value as an architectural masterpiece.

Since the place was built in the 19th century, the buildings are intact just the way they were. It is because they are best preserved. It has the most impressive medieval-period frescoes in Sofia with amazing walls.

It is considered one of the best World Heritage sites and considered a historic site. This cultural monument in Bulgaria demonstrates exceptional achievement. The Boyana Church has so many visitors every year to see the unique religious artwork, Bulgarian Renaissance architecture, and scenic surroundings.

Area & Location

The Boyana Church is located in Bulgaria. People often find it hard to locate because it is situated outside Sofia. However, if you hire a tour guide, you might easily reach there. It is the three eras of construction, and you may get an idea about the different sections from start to end.

The church is situated in Boyana, Sofia, Bulgaria. It is the medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church on the outskirts of Sofia. The building has been added to the list of UNESCO world heritage.

The exact address of the Boyana Church is located at Boyansko Ezero 3, 1616 Bojana, Sofia, Bulgaria. Suppose you love art, religion, history, or architecture. The place has a lot to offer and is a great place to relax. But unfortunately, only ten people can enter the church just once to be a peaceful atmosphere inside the building.

When you reach the place there, you will have to purchase a ticket, which is necessary for every visitor to get an official tour of the site.

Art & Architecture Of Boyana Church

From the architectural point of view, Boyana Church is considered the best example church and has a Greek cross-ground plan. In addition, it has ceramic elements, a dome, and a richly decorated facade. Also, it has fine wall paintings, which have distinctive features, making it stand out.

It is popularly known for its frescoes. However, the church has the second layer of wall painting done in the 11th century. Therefore, the paintings that it has held outstanding quality in history. This is because it has remained intact for so many centuries.

The frescoes remain intact and are in their original state because it has been restored and cleaned from time to time to preserve the monument. These impressive monuments on the outskirts of Sofia are not small places.

The second layer of the wall painting has preserved the beauty from the inside. These paintings depict the value of art. The images that the wall has show vitality and special expressiveness. These monuments or images are Eastern European and have 89 scenes and about 240 images of humans.

Importance Or Significance Of Boyana Church

If you go to the Boyana Church, you will have the best life experience. At the same time, if you are an art lover and love to view different sites, you will find it one of the best places to visit.

The church was dedicated to the patron saint, St. Nicholas, so many images of the saint, are on the walls and among the frescoes. There is a limit of people to go inside, which makes you stand in long queues. If you want to avoid waiting in long queues, you should come early.

The churches have preserved their artwork and maintained a constant temperature of 64 F (18 C) in the churches. Therefore, when you visit the Boyana Church, it is recommended that you should also visit the nearby attractions which are near the church, such as National History Museum.

If you are an art aficionado and appreciate beautiful art, this is the place you should visit once in your life.

FAQs

What is the oldest church in Bulgaria?
Boyana Church is the oldest church that you can find in Bulgaria.

Why is the Boyana church famous?
The Boyana church features frescoes that date back to 1259. The second layer of frescoes is seen above the early 19th-century paintings. It is one of the most well-done and well-preserved monuments of medieval art. Thus, it is famous!

Why is the Boyana church under UNESCO?
UNESCO recognizes this church as a World Heritage Site because of the frescoes. The second layer of paintings protects the monuments.

Who built the Boyana church?
Sebastocrator Kaloyan built it in the 10th century and expanded it in the 13th century. Then, at his command, the two-story structure was built. 

Why was the Boyana church built?
It was expanded in the early 13th century to make it bigger after it was built in the 10th century, with fine wall paintings. As a result, the fresco has wholly preserved the monuments of medieval art.

How did the Boyana church contribute to the spread of Christianity?
On the church wall, you'll see artwork that demonstrates spiritual expression. These paintings are painted in symmetrical proportions. The images depicted by the frescoes in the church include St. Nicholas, Church Patron, Christ, Constantin Tikh of Bulgaria, and Pantocrator.