Doktorska Gradina, or the Doctors’ Garden, is a tranquil green space in central Sofia, nestled between Oborishte and Shipka streets behind the National Library. Established in the late 19th century, it was designed by Swiss landscape architect Daniel Neff and later enriched with botanical species by Austrian and Bulgarian horticulturists. The park is named after the Doctor’s Monument at its heart, a solemn memorial to the medics who perished during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Their names are etched into the stone of a four-sided pyramid crowned with a granite sarcophagus. Once designated as Sofia’s botanical garden, the park still features rare trees like ginkgo, swamp cypress, and Neff’s beloved white acacia. Today, Doktorska Gradina remains a peaceful retreat, blending historical reverence with natural beauty, and offering a quiet counterpoint to the city’s bustle. Its shaded benches, leafy paths, and cultural significance make it a cherished landmark in Sofia’s urban landscape.
Sofia Bulgaria
Doktorska Gradina, or Doctor’s Garden, is a centrally located park in Sofia, Bulgaria, situated just behind the SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library and close to Sofia University. The park lies between Shipka and Oborishte streets, making it easily accessible for tourists exploring the city’s cultural and historical core. Nearby, you’ll find the National Library, one of Sofia’s most impressive buildings, as well as the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius in front of it. Sofia University, the country’s oldest and largest university, is just a short walk away and features the Mineralogy Museum. The park itself is named after the Doctors’ Monument at its center, commemorating medical workers who died in the Russo-Turkish War. The vibrant Oborishte Street, lined with restaurants and wine gardens, is adjacent to the park, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Sofia’s most iconic landmarks, is also within walking distance. This location makes Doktorska Gradina a peaceful green retreat surrounded by significant cultural, educational, and historical sites in Sofia.
Museum
National Museum of Natural History
Museum
National Archeological Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Museum
National Museum of Military History
Museum
Earth and Man National Museum
Museum
Sofia History Museum
Museum
Museum of Socialist Art
Museum
National Polytechnic Museum
Museum
National Ethnographic Museum
Museum
Vrana Palace
Palace
National Art Gallery
Gallery
Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Theatre
Sofia Theatre
Theatre
Satirical Theatre
Theatre
Sofia Puppet Theatre
Theatre
Theatre 199
Theatre
National Opera and Ballet
Opera House
Borisova Gradina
Park
City Garden
Park
Zaimov Park
Park
Zapaden Park
Park
North Park
Park
National Art Gallery
Gallery
Sofia City Art Gallery
Gallery
Gallery of Foreign Art
Gallery
Shipka 6 Art Gallery
Gallery
Rayko Aleksiev Gallery
Gallery
Alexander Nevsky Square
Square
Slaveykov Square
Square
National Assembly Square
Square
Saint Sophia Church
Church
Rotunda of St. George
Church
Lions' Bridge
Bridge
Largo Archaeological Complex
Historical landmark
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Cathedral
Boyana Church
Church
Sofia Zoo
Zoo
PALITRA Gallery
Gallery
Asen VASSILEV Gallery
Theatre
SERDICA Gallery
Gallery
ETUD Gallery
Gallery
NUANCE Gallery
Gallery
INTRO Gallery
Gallery
Little Bird Place
Gallery
MAESTRO Gallery
Gallery
ONE Gallery
Gallery
San Stefano Gallery
Gallery
Gallery Credo Bonum
Gallery
Minerva Gallery
Gallery
Depoo Gallery
Gallery
Loran Gallery
Gallery
Rakursi
Gallery
Gallery Paris
Gallery
Puppet Museum
Museum
Astry Gallery
Gallery
Galeriya Gaya
Gallery
OBORISHTE5 Gallery and Hall
Gallery
Stubel Gallery
Gallery