Bulgaria Sofia Central Sofia Park

Doktorska Gradina

About

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

Location

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.

National Historical Museum