Central Mineral Baths / history museum

The Central Mineral Baths are located in the historic center of Sofia, near the Serdika metro station. Several landmarks are situated nearby, including the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Central Market Hall, and the Church of St. Nedelya.

The baths were constructed in 1913 on the site of a natural mineral spring known since Roman times. The building was designed by the architects Petko Momchilov and Friedrich Grünanger; Grünanger also created several other notable buildings in Sofia, including the former royal palace. The structure was built in a style that combines Byzantine and Bulgarian architectural traditions. The façade is richly decorated with mosaics and colorful ceramic tiles. Construction lasted seven years.

The Central Mineral Baths served as public baths until 1986, when they were closed due to economic reasons. For many years, the building stood unused while various redevelopment ideas were proposed, including a balneological center and a hotel, but none were implemented. After a period of reconstruction, the building was repurposed to house the Museum of the History of Sofia, which opened in 2015.

Exhibits in the museum include:

• A royal carriage and an early royal automobile
• Clothing and accessories from the 19th and early 20th centuries
• Period furniture and household items

In front of the building, a public fountain still provides access to mineral water, which locals and visitors may collect. The adjacent square is also home to the Banya Bashi Mosque, further underlining the area’s historical significance.