A time capsule in the underground city of Sofia #Medieval orthodox temple of St. Petka Samardjiyska - Sofia Bulgaria

#September2025 In the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria, hidden among underground passages interwoven with modern architecture and ancient Roman ruins, lies the understated yet historic Medieval Orthodox temple of St. Petka Samardjiyska. This medieval temple, with its unique architectural form and the historical legends behind it, has become a unique feature of Sofia's cityscape. The name of the temple reflects its history and location: St. Petka: Dedicated to the 11th-century Bulgarian saint St. Petka (also known as St. Paraskeva), a highly revered figure in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The Saddlers: In the Middle Ages, the area where the church stands was home to Sofia's artisan community of saddlers and leatherworkers. St. Petka was considered the patron saint of these artisans, hence the church's nickname, "The Saddlers." The most captivating feature of the Underground Church of St. Petka is its semi-underground architecture. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries AD, during Bulgaria's reign under the Ottoman Empire, the church was permitted to remain as a Christian church, though the rulers often imposed strict height restrictions, limiting it to no more than "the height of a soldier on horseback." To maintain the dignity of their faith within these constraints, the locals chose to build a large portion of the church underground, with only the roof and a small portion of the walls exposed. This structure stands as a silent testament to the perseverance of Christian faith under foreign rule in the Balkans. Today, the church's roof is almost flush with the ground, surrounded by the modern Central Department Store (TZUM) and Roman ruins, creating a time capsule of history. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the modern city, the Underground Church of St. Petka lies like a sleeping gem, quietly telling the story of Sofia for millennia. While perhaps not as spectacular as other cathedrals, its tranquility, seclusion, and the power of time are unforgettable.