Eastern gate of Serdica

The underpass, beneath the famous yellow pavement, connecting the Presidency to the Minister’s council, is actually a glimpse in to the Roman history of Sofia – the eastern gate of Serdica.

The underpass is constructed so that the magnificence of the Roman heritage is not damaged and so that it can be experienced first hand. According to archeologists the last time the street at the Easter gate was repaired was in the 6^th century A.D.

The eastern gate was defended by two towers. From the eastern gate sprung one of the most important roads for Roman Serdica– Via Militaris(lat. Military road) or also known as Via Diagonalis (lat. Diagonal road/because it was directed south-eastwards), which lead to Philipopolis (modern day Plovdiv).

In the underpass, hanging on the wall against the eastern gate, is a plan of Roman Serdica, which helps visitors gain a better understanding of the ancient city’s infrastructure and a better sense of orientation to which site they should head to, in order to experience antiquity fully.

While visiting the capital city Sofia, if you have time to spare, take a tour around the center where most of the remains of Serdica are displayed. This will give you a full grasp of the age.