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Ivan Vazov National Theatre

- Dyakon Ignatiy Street 5 -
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre was built in 1906 and was designed by the famous Viennese architects and . The theater is the oldest in the country and is the national theater of Bulgaria. The foundations were laid on June 4, 1904, on the site of the Osnova wooden theater, which was initially called simply the National Theatre. Between 1952 and 1962, before it was named after the prominent writer Ivan Vazov, it was called . The building was severely damaged by a fire during the anniversary celebration in 1923, but was rebuilt in 1929 by the German architect . The on Sofia during the caused considerable damage to the building but was reconstructed in 1945. Another reconstruction followed between 1971 and 1975, and a restoration project was implemented in 2006. The Ivan Vazov National Theatre has a well-equipped main stage with 750 seats, a smaller 120-seat stage, and an additional 70-seat stage on the fourth floor.
An old postcard showing the interior of the building
The symmetrical building is built in the styles of Neo-Classical and Neo-Baroque. The impressive is supported by six massive columns, each of which is crowned by an Ionic . On the above the columns, there is an that states "Народен театър • Иван Вазов •" (National Theatre • Ivan Vazov •). Many mythical figures are represented on the above the architrave. In the center, the Greek god can be seen riding on a drawn by two horses. Apollo is the god of the sun and light, which is represented by the sun behind him. Apollo is also the god of music, which is represented by the lyre harp that he holds in his left hand. Apollo is surrounded by four , which are probably Euterpe, Melpomene, Terpsichore, and Thalia. A , holding a wreath in his hand, is depicted on the right side of Apollo. Many parts of the representation are decorated with gold leaf, as well as other ornaments on the building.

The above the three main entrance doors are decorated with and . Each window above the door contains a , with twelve each. The keystones of each window are decorated with a and are flanked by a female and a male figure. The , which can be seen in many places on the western facade, have the same Ionic capitals as the columns.
An old photo from 1910 showing the building
The towers on either side of the theater's main entrance end with a sculptural group depicting the victory of the goddess . They are riding a chariot drawn by three lions. The roof edges are decorated with garlands and cartouches. Festoons decorated the part just below the roof and on each of the sides, a richly decorated segmental , and pilasters were placed. The tops of the are decorated with a decorative shell. On every corner of the , a small dragon-like figure can be seen. Underneath the attic , you'll see some nice ornaments, like festoons, , and . Even the top of the chimney is decorated with festoons and garlands.

On either side of the building, you'll be able to see many other sculptures of muses, which are the creation of the Bulgarian sculptor . They can be seen on the roof as well as in the niches on the first floor.
The interior of the auditorium