Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

147 years since the liberation of Sofia

Photo: BTA

The fighting for Sofia within the framework of the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) began on December 25, 1877. On January 3, 1878, the city's commandant Osman Nuri Pasha began to withdraw from Sofia. 

His plans to set the city on fire were thwarted with the help of the foreign diplomats who remained in the city - the French consul Leandre le Gay and the Italian consul - Vittorio Positano. 

Leandre le Gay and Vittorio Positano
Russian troops under the command of Gen. Yosif Gurko entered the city on January 4, 1878. The Russian troops were welcomed by the Sofia citizens at Koru Cheshme Square (today's St. Nedelya Square), recalls the Regional History Museum - Sofia. 
On the occasion of the anniversary, today at 12:00 in Northern Park (entrance from the Svoboda residential area, Narodni Buditeli Street) in Sofia, the historical reenactment "The Liberation of Sofia" will be held, the Sofia Municipality announced.


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Tsars Peter and Asen restored the Bulgarian state 840 years ago

In 1018, after half a century of struggle, the First Bulgarian Empire was conquered by Byzantium. Despite the many uprisings of the Bulgarians, the power of Constantinople lasted for nearly two centuries. In the autumn of 1185 or the..

published on 10/26/25 5:05 AM

St John of Rila – the Miracle-Worker of the Rila Wilderness

On 19 October, Bulgarians commemorate St Ivan Rilski, also known as St John of Rila, who is considered the country’s heavenly protector. He founded the Rila Monastery, which is the largest and most influential spiritual centre in Bulgaria. Ivan..

published on 10/19/25 7:30 AM

Father Genadiy from Artsyz: Bulgaria is the root of my heart and my blood

Father Genadiy Martinov is a Bessarabian Bulgarian, born in the village of Devetliy, Odessa province (Ukraine). Two centuries ago, his family lived in Eastern Thrace, near Edirne, but after the end of the Russo-Turkish War (1828–1829), during a period..

published on 10/18/25 7:15 AM