Exploring Sofia’s Bohemian Heart: A Walk Down Shishman Street

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Dear friends,

Sofia, the capital of my home country Bulgaria, is a city full of contrasts. However, few places show its true spirit better than the trendy area around Patriarch Evtimiy Square ("Popa"), Tsar Shishman Street, and Graf Ignatiev Street ("Grafa").

This is the monument of Saint Euthymius, the last Patriarch of the Second Bulgarian Empire. This monument connects modern Sofia with the country's medieval spiritual history. It stands quietly in the middle of the lively cafés and busy streets that fill the square today.

This morning, my family and I went back to this lovely part of Sofia, known for its old-school charm and lively feel.

Walking along Shishman Street is a real treat for the senses. It is full of charm, featuring cozy flower shops decorated with lace, classic spots like Mamma Mia pizzeria, and sweet artisan shops like Gelateria Naturale.

We enjoyed fresh coffee and amazing craft ice cream. The display was full of natural flavors, from classics like strawberry and hazelnut to unique ones like honey with poppy seeds, bourbon vanilla, and lavender.

After our sweet treat, we went next door to Villa Bellucci on Shishman Street—a place that combines rich history with great Italian food.

Inside, you can really feel the history with its high ceilings, classic chandeliers, and dark wood furniture. The restaurant is split into small, cozy rooms, making it feel very private and quiet away from the noisy street outside.

Just a short walk down Shishman Street brings you to one of Sofia’s most famous historic sites: the Church of the Seven Saints (Sveti Sedmochislenitsi).

Set in a peaceful green garden, this beautiful brick church is very important to Bulgarian culture. It is dedicated to the "Seven Saints"—the famous brothers Cyril and Methodius and their five main followers (Gorazd, Clement, Naum, Angelar, and Sava). Together, these scholars created Slavic literacy and helped spread the Cyrillic alphabet. Standing at the entrance under the mosaic of all seven figures, you can really feel how proud Sofia is of its language and history.

Walking along Tsar Shishman Street, you find a fun mix of antique shops, cozy restaurants, and unique vintage stores.

Nothing shows the relaxed, charming vibe of Shishman Street better than its storefronts. In one bookstore window, a tabby cat sleeps peacefully right on top of old magazines, photo books, and Harry Potter items—including a wand and a portrait of Luna Lovegood. It looks like the cat is under a magic sleeping spell, acting as the store's cutest little guardian!

All in all, spending a day around Shishman Street is always a wonderful experience. Whether you're here for the amazing food, the deep history, or just to enjoy the cozy, bohemian vibe, this part of Sofia never fails to charm. Thank you for coming along on this little walk with me!