Borissovata Garden: Oasis in the Heart of Sofia

BNR, Diana Hristakieva, Daniela Konstantinova, July 10, 2008

Its territory hosts two stadiums, an equestrian base and club, several tennis courts, a cycle-racing track, cafes, pubs and taverns. It also has many alleys and kids’ playgrounds. The park commemorates some of Bulgaria’s greatest writers and politicians, whose monuments stand by its lanes and grounds. The largest monument in Borissovata Garden is a communist-time Common Grave. During that time the garden was called the Freedom Park.

Borissovata Garden was created in 1884 by Swiss gardener Daniel Neff. The first plant species presented here included the common locust and the mulberry tree. Years later other trees were planted such as oak, chestnuts, ash-tree, sycamore, pine and lime-tree. Several sequoia trees and glasshouses add to the imperial beauty of the park. In 1940 a Japanese Corner was created in Boris’ Garden with plants sent over from Japan as a token of friendly feelings.

Today Borissovata Garden is the favorite getaway for cyclists and roller-skaters and is the perfect destination for long, refreshing walks in the very heart of the City of Sofia. Many mothers take their children to the park; elderly people, families and teenagers are also frequent visitors. A few attractions are in place for them. The most impressive one is the Equestrian Base set up in 2003. It is open for the public. Previously, however, it was used as a base of the mounted police exclusively.
During the summer months Borissovata Garden attracts largest crowds after the end of the workday. Some relax, others prefer to have a beer or two with friends and still others come to listen to open-air concerts. These are held at a special open stage that was recently refurbished in a public-private partnership.

At the very edge of Boris’ Gardens lies Ariana Lake, an emblematic point in Sofia. It was built in 1904. In 1980s the lake was dried up for a long reconstruction. It was finally completed in 2007, as the municipal authority allied with private companies. Now – just as in the distant past – Sofia residents and guests are welcome to go for a row that costs 2.50 Euro. In winter months the lake is turned into a skating rink. The lake and lanes surrounding it have been isolated from the traffic noise by way of special transparent panels displaying large photos. They tell the fascinating story of the lake and the nearby Eagle’s Bridge.