Kodzha Mahmut Pasha Mosque

The former mosque is the oldest building of its kind in Sofia. The mosque with its squared plan has nine domes of equal diameter. They are supported by pointed arches and covered with leaden sheets. The middle ones are higher and ‘the entire space, through a special system of domes and arches, is an absolutely symmetrical construction, and it’s on this symmetry, harmony and equality among all its parts, that the major artistic effect is due. During the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878) the mosque was turned into a hospital. Later it was a library, museum and printing house, and since 1892 it has housed the National Archaeological Institute With Museum .

About this building

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Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments

Other nearby buildings

Russian Church

The Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker, known as the Russian Church, is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. Its construction began in the late 19th century and was originally designed as a chapel at the Russian Embassy in Bulgaria. The temple almost immediately lost its role after the Russian Revolution in 1917.

Wikimedia Commons/Manastirile

Banya Bashi Mosque

The mosque is desinged and built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan. The main building is rectangular with the central dome and the minaret rising from the four corners. The interior of the mosque acquires its current appearance as a result of several renovations over the course of history. The current condition of the Banya Bashi mosque makes it possible to hold about 700 Muslims on Fridays, and nearly 1,200 Muslims on Eid .