Church of Saints Constantine and Elena

As of 2026, the church is an active house of worship and is free for all visitors to enter. It typically opens daily at 8:00 AM and remains open until 8:00 PM during the summer season, with slightly shorter hours until 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM in the winter months. While there is no admission fee, many visitors choose to buy a beeswax candle for a small donation to light for their loved ones. The church yard also houses a small icon gallery featuring precious religious works from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Sunday morning services usually begin around 9:00 AM, offering a chance to hear traditional Orthodox chanting in a truly historic setting.

Respecting local customs is essential when visiting this holy site. Modest dress is expected; shoulders and knees should be covered, though the church often provides wraps at the entrance for those in summer attire. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the sanctuary to maintain the solemnity of the space, but you are welcome to take photos of the stunning frescoes in the outdoor portico and the peaceful garden. Men should remove their hats upon entering the building. Because it is a popular stop for walking tours, the small interior can feel crowded; if you seek a moment of quiet reflection, wait a few minutes for the groups to move on to the nearby Hisar Kapia gate.

The church is located at 24 Saborna Street, right in the heart of the Old Town architectural reserve. Since the area is pedestrianized, the most scenic way to arrive is on foot. From the Roman Stadium in the city center, walk uphill along Saborna Street for about ten minutes; the church is impossible to miss, located just before the famous Hisar Kapia stone gate. If you are coming from the Central Railway Station, take a taxi for approximately 5 to 10 BGN and ask to be dropped at the "Hisar Kapia" entrance of the Old Town. Bus lines 1, 7, 20, and 26 also stop at the "Tunnel-North" station, from where a short, steep climb will lead you directly to the church.