Royal Palace (Sofia)

The Royal Palace in Sofia, Bulgaria, served as the principal residence of the Bulgarian monarchs from 1882 until the abolition of the monarchy in 1946. Constructed in stages, it originally comprised two buildings: the Old Palace (originally a Turkish konak) and the New Palace.

Following the liberation of Bulgaria in 1878, the Turkish konak was adapted for use as the residence of Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria. Subsequent rulers, including Prince Ferdinand I and his son Tsar Boris III, continued to modify and expand the palace complex. The New Palace, designed by Viennese architect Viktor Rumpelmayer, was added in the late 19th century.

The palace complex consisted of several halls and chambers used for official ceremonies, receptions, and private residences. After the monarchy's abolition, the palace was repurposed.

Today, the Royal Palace houses the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum. The National Art Gallery occupies the majority of the space, displaying Bulgarian art from the medieval period to the present day. The Ethnographic Museum showcases traditional Bulgarian culture, costumes, and crafts.

The Royal Palace is located in central Sofia and is a significant landmark, representing a crucial period in Bulgarian history. It stands as a testament to the country's transition from Ottoman rule through monarchical governance to its current republic. The square in front of the palace, formerly known as Palace Square, is now an important public space.