Overview
Boyana Church is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated near Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its well-preserved frescoes from the 13th century.
The church is famous for its frescoes, which are considered to be among the most significant examples of Eastern European medieval art.
Location
Address
Ulitsa Boyansko ezero 3, Bojana, Sofia
Neighborhood: Boyana
Coordinates
42.659100, 23.304800
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
April-June, September-October
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds, better lighting for photos
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild to warm
- • spring blooms
- • pleasant weather
summer
hot
- • extended visiting hours
autumn
cool to mild
- • fall foliage
- • cooler temperatures
winter
cold
- • holiday decorations
- • snow-covered scenery
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book tickets in advance
- Bring valid ID
- Check weather forecast
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: low
- • uneven surfaces
Medical facilities: first aid available on-site
Payment Information
Accepted
cash, credit cards
Currency
Bulgarian Lev
Typical Costs
Dress Code
modest, respectful attire, comfortable shoes, layers for changing weather, comfortable walking shoes, inappropriate clothing, shorts, sleeveless tops
Booking Tips
- • 1-2 weeks
- • official website
- • 48 hours notice
- • available
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Boyana Church Official App
Size: 30 MB
Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe
Charging Stations: Rest areas
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Sofia Airport
Distance: 15 km
Travel Time: 20 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 5 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Historical and cultural significance, beautiful architecture
Historical Significance: Built in the 13th century, contains significant medieval frescoes
Insider Tips
- Free entry early morning for locals
- Best local food at nearby cafes
Local Recommendations
- • Visit nearby Boyana Lake
- • Try traditional Bulgarian cuisine at local cafes
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Bulgarian, English, Russian
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Exterior facade
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Wide angle
Result: Stunning exterior shots
Interior frescoes
Best Time: Daylight hours
Tips: Close-ups
Result: Detailed shots of frescoes
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Boyana Lake
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Natural Site
Vitosha Mountain
Distance: 3km
Walking: 45 min
Type: Mountain
National Museum of History
Distance: 2km
Walking: 30 min
Type: Museum
Reviews
Based on 500 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book online"
- "Visit early"
- "Great for history lovers"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (16)
From Sofia: Rila monastery & Boyana church and free pick up
From Sofia - Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, Audio Guided Tour
From Sofia: Rila Monastery, Boyana Church and a Monk Room
Day tour to Rila monastery, hiking to the cave of St. John and Boyana church
Private Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
Full Day Sofia Tour
Private tour to Rila monastery, Wine degustation, Boyana church
Luxury Day Trip to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery
Exclusive Day Trip - Sofia - Plovdiv - Boyana Church
Zemen Monastery, Boyana Church and National History Museum Tour
Bulgaria and Macedonia Full-Day Tour from Sofia
Bulgaria and Serbia in One Day from Sofia
Sofia Adventure Nevsky, Vitosha Hoof, Boyana and Horse Ride
Half Day Tour around Sofia and the mountains with Thermal Spa
Unique 2 days tour - Boyana Church, Rila Monastery and outdoor mineral baths
Exclusive Sofia: Nevsky, Vitosha Hoof, Boyana, Horse Ride & Spa
Quick Info
Available Tours
50
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
500
Adult Entry
10 BGN