Borisova Gradina, Sofia

Borisova Gradina, also referred to as Knyaz-Borisova Gradina, is known as Boris' Garden or Knyaz Boris' Garden. It holds the distinction of being the oldest and most well-known park in Sofia, often considered the city's most beautifully maintained green space. It serves as a popular recreational destination for a majority of Sofia's residents.

The Swiss gardener Daniel Neff was responsible for developing the initial garden plan in the spring of 1882. He set up a nursery and built a house for himself, commencing construction in 1884. The garden originally featured acacia trees, carefully shaped flowerbeds, a small artificial lake, and was enclosed by a hedge of oaks and hawthorns.

The name "Boris' Garden" is derived from Bulgarian Tsar Boris III. Despite Knyaz Boris assuming the throne as Tsar in 1918, there is no official record of the park's name being changed to reflect this transition. Over time, the term "Knyaz" gradually fell out of common usage, leaving the park with the simpler name of Boris' Garden. During the period of the communist regime, which came to power in 1944, the park was temporarily renamed "Freedom Park." However, following the regime's downfall in 1989, it reverted to its original name.

The park offers a network of tree-lined pathways and features captivating sculptures spread across its grounds. Prominent attractions within the park include the Soviet Monument, the Summer Swimming Bath, the University Observatory, the Open-air School, the Ariana Lake, the Yunak and Levski football fields, the tennis club, the diplomatic tennis court, the cycling track, and the Yunak Rectifying Station.