Loven Park

"The Knyazhevska Garden, also known as the King’s Garden, is a historically significant park located in the heart of Sofia, near the iconic Orlov Bridge. This picturesque garden is closely linked to Bulgaria’s royal family, with both Bulgarian and foreign royalty having strolled through its beautiful pathways over the years. Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of Bulgaria's former royals, experiencing the charm and history of this treasured location. At the center of the garden stands the Monument of the Soviet Army, while modern features include an outdoor gym equipped with 18 ergonomic appliances, suitable for both children and adults. Additionally, the garden boasts Sofia's first playground for pets, offering a unique space for dogs to play freely. One of its notable natural landmarks is the towering centuries-old summer oak, located near the popular café "Baba Yaga," which adds a majestic presence to the park’s landscape. The history of Knyazhevska Garden dates back to 1880 when King Alexander I Battenberg commissioned city gardener Carl Betz to transform the area into Sofia's first vegetable and fruit garden. Originally featuring flower pavilions, the garden evolved into a botanical space under the reign of King Ferdinand, who was deeply interested in botany and ornithology. During this period, the first Royal Zoo was also established within the garden. In 1936, Tsar Boris III funded the construction of a "royal kindergarten," complete with a labyrinth, swimming pool, and a summer children’s theater with a capacity for 600 children. The garden's historical layers, shaped by three Bulgarian monarchs—Alexander I Battenberg, King Ferdinand, and Tsar Boris III—make it an invaluable landmark, rich with royal legacy and cultural significance for Bulgaria."