The oldest Eastern Orthodox Church in Sofia reopened to the public in 1999 after major restoration and renovation works, and once again plays an important role in the day to day rituals of Sofianites. It is in fact this church, built at the highest point in Sofia, that gave its name to the present-day capital back in the 14th century.

The simple red brick church dates back to the 6th/7th century when it was the site of Serdica's necropolis. Beneath it lie several earlier churches dating back to the early 4th century. You can now visit some of the remains of the ancient buildings and tombs that lie under the church as part of a brand new fascinating museum opened to the public in May 2013.

During the Ottoman yoke it was turned into a mosque, but after an earthquake in 1818 toppled the minaret and another some 40 years later killed the Imam's two sons, it was abandoned and restored as a church after the Liberation.

This is a very popular church for weddings and christenings.