The National Assembly (Narodno Subranie)

Bulgaria's Parliament, the National Assembly, is stationed in a neat and unassuming white building next to Nevski Cathedral. Based on plans by Bulgarian architect Yovanovich, it was constructed from 1884-1928, and its facade bears the inscription "Unity is Strength" ("Obedinenieto Pravi Silata").

Bulgarians, led by student protesters, took this to heart in December and January of 1997, when they held mass demonstrations here against the then-ruling BSP Socialist government. On January 11, 1997, the protesters blocked 100 Socialist members of Parliament from leaving the building, despite the presence of Ministry troops and riot police who were less than hesitant to use their batons (over 200 demonstrators were sent to the hospital). The crowd eventually stormed the building, causing quite a bit of destruction in the form of broken windows, damage from homemade smoke bombs, smashed computers, and the like. The ensuing mass strikes, nightly marches and road blocks resulted in the BSP consenting to hold early elections. That April, the Socialists were dethroned and UDF leaders were overwhelmingly voted into power.

Directly across from the Parliament building is the commemorative statue of Russian Alexander II, the Tsar Osvoboditel ("Liberator"), who sits astride his horse. Standing 14 metres tall, the bronze statue was designed by Italian Arnoldo Zocci and finished in 1905. The Tsar holds the declaration of war against the Ottomans in one hand, and the pedestal - which is made of granite from Mount Vitosha - bears several detailed scenes in bronze from the War of Liberation. These include the goddess of victory (complete with shield and sword) leading troops into war, the fierce battle at Stara Zagora, the signing of the San Stefano Peace Treaty in 1878, and the first National Assembly in Veliko Turnovo.

Next to the Parliament is the recently restored Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, a beautiful building dating back to 1926.