Old Metropolis (St. Sophia Basilica)
Старата митрополия
A large 5th–6th-century basilica ruin in the center of the old town. Its tall arched walls are among Nessebar's oldest surviving church remains.
The Old Metropolis, also known as St. Sophia Church, was built from the late 5th to the early 6th century. It is a three-aisled basilica about 25 meters long and served as Nessebar's cathedral until the late Middle Ages, when it was replaced by the new Church of St. Stephen. The roof is gone, but the tall brick-and-stone arcades and the semicircular apse still stand in the central square of the old town, surrounded by open-air cafés and stalls. Concerts and performances are often held here on summer evenings. The site is open for free and is a must on any walk through the old town.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Ethnographic Museum (Moskoyani House)
- Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel
- Ancient City of Nessebar
- Church of St. Spas (Holy Saviour)
- Church of St. John the Baptist
- Church of Christ Pantocrator
- Church of St. Stephen (New Metropolis)
- Church of St. John Aliturgetos