Saint Petka Samardzhii Church

Temple "St. Petka Samardzhiyska" is a small one-nave building, partially buried in the ground. Often passing Sofians and guests of the capital miss visiting the small central church due to the large notable temples of faith around such as: Banya Bashi Mosque, The synagogue, the cathedral "St. Sunday" and the rotunda "St. George". Nevertheless, this building has a lot to show for it.

Church "St. Petka Samardzhiyska" was built in the 11th century on an ancient cult site, around which ancient tombs have been discovered. It is named after St. Paraskeva-Petka Iconiyska (Tarnovska). The temple is also known as "St. Petka Samardzhiyska", because in the Middle Ages many saddlers lived around it (saddle and saddle makers for horses). The walls of the church are approx 1 meter, and marble friezes can be seen on them, belonging to buildings from ancient Serdica. The oldest preserved wall paintings are from the 14th century., and the later ones are from the 15th and 16th centuries, with the last layer painted by Pimen Zografski. Although badly damaged, they show, that in the past the Bulgarian church had some of the best painters on the territory of the Balkan Peninsula. Pay attention to the fresh colors and faces, which are depicted so skillfully, that it's like you're being watched.