The presidiary shooting range is located in the southern part of Sofia behind the Hilton Hotel in a park environment. The building was built in 1932 and used for military shooting training. The garrison arrest was housed there as well.
It was functioning as intended until 1969. In the period 1941-1944 the 55 people death sentences were executed here under the State Protection Act. The poet Nikola Vaptsarov was among the victims.
Since 1958, the shooting range has been announced as a cultural monument of national importance. In 1969 the subsequent decision of the ruling Communist Party terminated its activities and transform the building into Memorial of the executed illegitimate activists. Since then, it has been a subsidiary of the History Museum of Sofia.
In 1999 under the initiative of Sofia Municipality was realized a project for conservation, restoration and adaptation of the cultural and historical ensemble. It combines the authentic function of a shooting range and museum exposition dedicated to national reconciliation. The main concept of the project is to transform the place into a memorial of the forgiveness and honor to all the victims of political violence in Bulgaria. Through the language of the symbols embedded in the exhibition and in the surrounding park area, messages are being made - against confrontation, persecution and murders for political reasons.
Working time: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Address: Sofia, 39 Bulgaria Blvd.
Contact: +359 898 76 62 10
