site.btaRakovski National Defence College Opens Doors to Visitors

Citizens will be able to learn about the history of the Rakovski National Defence College and visit its sites, which have the status of a group cultural monument, the College’s press centre said. The open days will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Group tours will be organised, led by military historians who will acquaint visitors with the history of the institution.

The initiative is part of the European Heritage Days, which this year are held under the theme “Architectural Heritage: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future”. The open days will run from 10:00 AM to 4 PM, with the last tour starting at 3:00 PM.

The academic building was constructed between 1888 and 1894 to the design of Antonin Kolar, the Czech-born chief architect of Sofia. The facade resembles an ancient fortress, with arched windows and vaults, while the roof cornices feature military-themed architectural motifs in the form of towers, the College said.

The Rakovski National Defence College is the oldest higher military school in Bulgaria. It was established by the 15th National Assembly on 1 March 1912.