Address: ul Saborna 2
Tel: (02) 988 2406
Tel: (02) 988
2406
Open:
Tue-Sun 10am- 6pm
The Church of Saint Petka of the Saddlers (known in Bulgarian as "Sveta Petka Samardzhiyska" or simply "St. Petka Samardzhiyska") is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church located in the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria. This small, historic structure is dedicated to Saint Petka, also known as Paraskeva of the Balkans, an 11th-century ascetic saint venerated across the Orthodox world, particularly in Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania. The church's name "of the Saddlers" derives from its historical association with the saddlers' guild (from the Bulgarian word "samardzhiya," meaning saddler, or the Ottoman Turkish "semerci," meaning saddlemaker), who donated funds for its construction and performed rituals there during the Middle Ages. Built during the Ottoman occupation, the church exemplifies the architectural constraints and cultural resilience of Bulgarian Christianity under foreign rule. It is partially subterranean, reflecting regulations that prohibited Christian buildings from exceeding the height of a mounted soldier, and it stands as one of Sofia's oldest preserved religious sites, declared a cultural monument for its historical, artistic, and archaeological value.
The Church of Saint Petka of the Saddlers was constructed in the 14th
century, though it was first documented in historical records during the
16th century. It was erected on the site of an ancient Roman religious
building, with archaeological evidence revealing old Roman tombs beneath
its foundations, indicating layers of religious activity dating back to
antiquity. The church's construction occurred under Ottoman rule, a
period when Christian communities faced restrictions on building new
places of worship. To comply with these limitations, the structure was
built partially underground, ensuring it remained inconspicuous and
below the stipulated height.
Funding for the church came primarily
from Sofia's saddlers' guild, a group of craftsmen who specialized in
making saddles and packsaddles. This patronage not only gave the church
its distinctive name but also highlights the role of medieval trade
guilds in supporting religious and communal life in Bulgaria. During the
Ottoman era, the saddlers used the church for their professional
rituals, further embedding it in the local socioeconomic fabric.
In
the 19th century, the church gained additional historical intrigue due
to an unconfirmed hypothesis that the remains of Vasil Levski
(1837–1873), a key figure in Bulgaria's national revival and fight for
independence from Ottoman rule, may have been secretly reburied there
after his execution. Post-World War II excavations uncovered a crypt
beneath the church, adding to its archaeological significance. Despite
the tumultuous history of Sofia—including earthquakes, wars, and urban
development—the church has survived largely intact and continues to
function as an active place of worship. It was officially recognized as
a monument of culture, preserving its role in Bulgaria's heritage.
Architecturally, the Church of Saint Petka of the Saddlers is a
modest yet robust example of medieval Bulgarian Orthodox design. It is a
small, single-nave structure measuring approximately 12 meters in
length, 5.5 meters in width, and 6 meters in height, with much of it dug
into the ground to adhere to Ottoman building restrictions. The walls
are notably thick—about 1 meter—and constructed from a combination of
brick and stone, providing structural stability and a sense of
fortification.
The interior features a semi-cylindrical vault that
covers the nave, creating a simple, elongated space conducive to
intimate worship. At the eastern end is a hemispherical apse, typical of
Orthodox churches, which houses the altar. Below the floor level, a
crypt was discovered during excavations after World War II, potentially
used for burials or as a hidden space during times of persecution. The
exterior is unadorned, blending seamlessly into the urban landscape,
especially since it is now situated in an underpass. This subterranean
placement not only reflects historical constraints but also protects the
church from Sofia's harsh weather and seismic activity.
One of the church's most treasured elements is its collection of
mural paintings, or frescoes, which span several centuries and offer a
visual chronicle of Bulgarian religious art. These frescoes date
primarily from the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 19th centuries and depict
various biblical scenes, saints, and religious motifs. The 14th-century
frescoes, in particular, are renowned for their vivid colors and
stylistic influences from the Byzantine tradition, adapted to local
Bulgarian aesthetics. Scenes include depictions of the Last Supper, the
Crucifixion, and portraits of saints, including Saint Petka herself.
The interior is dimly lit, enhancing the mystical atmosphere, with icons
and candlelight adding to the devotional ambiance. Due to its small
size, the space feels personal and reverent, drawing visitors into a
direct connection with its historical layers. Preservation efforts have
maintained these artworks, though some show signs of age and
restoration.
Saint Petka, or Paraskeva of the Balkans (also called Petka or
Paraskevḗ the New), was an 11th-century ascetic female saint born in the
village of Epivates (Epivato), near present-day Istanbul in Thrace. She
came from a pious and wealthy family of Serbian or Bulgarian descent,
with her parents being devout Christians who instilled in her a deep
faith from childhood. After her parents' death, Paraskeva distributed
her inheritance to the poor and embarked on a life of asceticism,
traveling to Constantinople and later to the Jordan Desert for
pilgrimage and solitude.
Known for her miracles, healing abilities,
and devotion to Christ, she lived as a hermit, enduring hardships in
pursuit of spiritual purity. She died around the age of 27 and was
buried in Epivates. Her relics were later translated multiple
times—first to Tarnovo in Bulgaria during the 13th century, then to
Belgrade, and eventually to Iași in Romania, where they remain today. A
detailed hagiography was written by Bishop Evtimiy of Tarnovo in the
14th century, cementing her legacy. In Bulgarian tradition, she is
celebrated on October 14 (or October 28 in the Gregorian calendar), with
the church in Sofia holding memorial services on this date. Saint Petka
is revered as a protector of women, the poor, and those in need,
symbolizing humility and faith.
The Church of Saint Petka of the Saddlers holds profound significance
as a bridge between Sofia's ancient Roman past, medieval Bulgarian
heritage, and modern urban life. It represents the endurance of Orthodox
Christianity under Ottoman domination and serves as a testament to the
contributions of everyday craftsmen to cultural preservation.
Archaeologically, its location atop Roman ruins underscores Sofia's
multilayered history, while its potential connection to Vasil Levski
adds a layer of national heroism.
Today, the church attracts
tourists, historians, and pilgrims alike, offering insight into
Bulgaria's spiritual and artistic traditions. It is a symbol of
resilience, having withstood centuries of change, and continues to host
services, making it a living piece of history.
The church is centrally located in Sofia, in the underpass between the Central Department Store (TZUM) and the Sheraton Hotel, near the Serdika metro station entrance. Admission is typically free or low-cost (around 2-5 BGN for non-worshippers), and it is open daily, though hours may vary (generally 8 AM to 6 PM). Photography inside is often restricted to preserve the frescoes. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and respect ongoing services. For inquiries, contact +359 2 980 7899.