Vitosha Boulevard

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Vitosha Boulevard

Vitoshka, as seen from near NDK, with the St Nedelya Church in the distance.

Vitosha Boulevard (Bulgarian: булевард „Витоша“, often called just „Витошка“, Vitoshka) is the main commercial street in the centre of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, which is abundant in many posh stores, restaurants and bars. It extends from the Southern Park to the St Nedelya Square. Many high-end fasion labels have outlets on Vitosha boulevard and the neighbouring streets: Versace, Escada, Bulgari, D&G, La Perla, Lacoste, Van Laak, Ermenegildo Zegna, Tru Trussardi, Moreschi, Marella, Max Mara, Gianfranco Ferre, Emporio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Boss, Baldinini. Among the notable buildings, located on the boulevard are: The National Palace of Culture, The Palace of the Courts, the house where the famous Bulgarian poet Peyo Yavorov lived and died. The corner of Vitosha and Patriarch Eftimii boulevards, so called the Pharmacy (Аптека), is a popular place for meetings.

The boulevard is named after Vitosha, the mountain just next to Sofia. It was an unadjusted street during the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria and acquired the name Vitoshka ulitsa ("Vitosha Street") after the Liberation, in 1883. The street was initially built up with low one-storey houses, but turned into an imposing trade street in the Interwar period as massive public buildings were constructed, changing Vitoshka's appearance completely.

According to a 2007 Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. study, Vitosha Boulevard is the world's 32nd most expensive trade street. [1][2] [3][4]

In May 2007, it was announced that the boulevard will be redesigned in the retro style of 1930s Sofia. Old-fashioned benches and street lights will be added, as well as Art Noveau round kiosks, more green areas, fountains, open-air bars and possibly a retro tram, as well as a clock tower at the St Nedelya Church displaying the time in various world capitals.[5]