Just before he retired, Prime Minister Stambouloff bought an entire block of land across from the royal palace. He had a big dream: to build a grand government office complex on that land. The design was created by an Austrian architect, and the first steps of construction had already begun. Workers dug the foundations and cellars, and the contractors delivered a large amount of carefully cut stone for the building.
However, only a few days after Stambouloff left office, all work on the project suddenly stopped. Since then, the construction has never continued. Today, several trainloads of granite still lie scattered around the site, slowly being taken over by nature. During the rainy season, water collects in the half-finished cellars. In dry months, weeds grow tall around the site Sidewalk Responsibility and Urban Development.
Visitors to Sofia are often curious about this abandoned area, which sits right across from the royal palace. Many ask why such a valuable and visible piece of land was left unfinished. Prince Ferdinand, who sees this neglected area every day from the palace windows, appears not to care about it at all.
The Palace and Public Park
The royal palace itself is a beautiful building designed in the French style, with attractive grounds all around it. It faces a large public park that is beautifully maintained. The park has many green plants, tall trees, fountains, and walking paths. It is a favorite place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy nature .
The Old Turkish Quarter A Glimpse of the Past
The old part of Sofia, often called the Turkish quarter, looks like a piece of old Constantinople. It has traditional adobe (mud-brick) walls, heavy tiled roofs, deep windows, and narrow streets — all features common in old Eastern cities. Along these streets are long rows of bazaars (markets), owned mostly by Turkish and Jewish merchants. Many of their goods are displayed on the sidewalks in front of the shops Ephesus Tours Guide.
This part of town is especially interesting for visitors. The shops are open-fronted, so tourists can easily watch the craftsmen and artisans at work. Trades are grouped together by type: shoemakers, tailors, butchers, bakers, brassworkers, and tinsmiths often work side by side, creating a colorful and lively scene that reflects traditional life in Sofia.
