bg Sofia

Former Carpentry Building

- Hristo Botev Street 71 -
The construction of the building started in 1909 and was completed in 1910. It was built by a project of the Bulgarian architect . The panel is the work of sculptor and the master stonemason . The building was built as a center for builders with various professional specializations.

On March 30, 1930, after a crowded student rally, the Bulgarian General People's Student Union () was established in it. During the socialist period, the name of the building was changed to the House of the Trade Union of Construction Workers "". Over the years it has been used as a cinema called Ufa and as an administrative building.
A photo of the building made in the 1970s
The most eye-catching part of the building, built in the style of Art Nouveau, is the impressive panel, which measures twelve by three meters. The scene, which was made from cement mortar, includes an eight-figure composition. It depicts masons dressed in rural and scaffolding clothes, and a classic figure of a half-lying woman with a child, who embodies the image of the capital, extending a laurel wreath to its creators, the builders. In the depths, you can see the silhouettes of the and the old . Underneath the segmental , which can be seen above the panel, you can see two different kinds of , as well as an motif.

Another feature that catches the eye are the two circular windows on each side of the main facade. The segmental cornice above the window is supported by two , which are adorned with an motif, , and garlands. The , which are placed above the windows on the first and second floors, are decorated with a decorative shell, which is surrounded by floral ornaments. The three window frames that are located underneath the panel are adorned with garlands. Underneath the central window, you'll be able to see a , containing a total of sixteen cone shaped .
A close up of the impressive panel