Borisova Gradina or Boris' Garden was formed by former Bulgarian tsar Boris who wanted to make Sofia a cleaner and more beautiful city. Over time it increased in size as more greens area were reserved for this large park. In addition to miles of trails, artificial ponds and buildings Borisova Gradina contains CSKA Stadium, Vasil Levski Stadium as well as Maria Luiza Pool. It is a public pool open for a low entrance fee. In addition to several full sized pools, it contains a children's pool, water slides and others. During Turkish occupation of Bulgaria these lands were a Turkish cemetary. On March 22, 1882, with the unanimous decision of the Municipal Council, on the proposal of the mayor, the park was set up. In 1882, the mayor of Sofia, Ivan Hadjienov, commissioned the construction of the garden of the Swiss Daniel Nef . In 1883 - 1884 he designed the projects and planted the first flowers and trees. At the end of the century the nursery also brings revenues to the municipality . The lake on the site of the former wetland is called Ribno (and later: Lake with the lilies). Daniel Neff's work was carried by Karl Nef and Emil Amman.
The park was first called the Nursery, later named
Pipinier. By 1885, the park was also popular as the Constantinople
Garden. After the birth of the heir, Boris Turnovski was renamed the
Prince Boris Garden.
During the totalitarian regime (1944 -
1989) the name was changed to Freedom Park. After the
democratization of the country, the park was renamed Boris III.
History
A Turkish military training ground is located next to
the Liberation of the Terrain. In 1879, with a municipal order, a
considerable part of it was assigned to a Turkish cemetery. On March
22, 1882, by unanimous decision of the Municipal Council, on the
proposal of the mayor, the park was set up. It is met with criticism
for the poor state of the capital - mud streets and gas lanterns.
In 1882, Sofia Mayor Ivan Hadzhiyenov commissioned the creation
of the garden of the Swiss Daniel Nef. In 1883 - 1884 he drafted and
planted the first flowers and trees. At the end of the century, the
nursery also generates revenue for the municipality. The lake on the
site of the former wetland was called Ribno (and later on: Lake with
lilies). The work of Daniel Nef is undertaken by Karl Nef and Emil
Aman.
In 1903, two people were killed and dozens injured in a
skirmish between Slatina shops and the police and military. The
reason was the reluctance of their local pastures to be converted
into a park.
On the idea of Joseph Fry, the fountain and
balustrades of Fish Lake were made. Ariana Lake was created in the
early 20th century. For the first time boats are sailing in Sofia.
Near it and in the beer of the same name, the city's elite gathers,
playing military music. In winter it is used for skating.
In
the totalitarian regime in Borisov's garden there were built
children's playgrounds with toys, summer stages and a theater, a
reading room, tennis courts, monuments, an equestrian center.
Among the most prominent governors are: Daniel Nef (1882 -
1900), Joseph Fry (1906 - 1934), Georgi Duhtev (1934 - 1944).
Landmarks
Today in the garden are the National Stadium "Vasil
Levski" and the stadium "Bulgarian Army", as well as the largest
beach in Sofia - the outdoor swimming pool "Maria-Louisa".
Among the most important sites in the Boris Garden are:
Ariana
(lake)
National stadium Vasil Levski"
Bulgarian Army (Stadium)
A lake with lilies
Brotherhood's mound of dead anti-fascists
monuments of other prominent Bulgarians
Astronomical Observatory
of Sofia University
Mary Louise Swimming Complex
Sofia
Television Tower
Tennis courts