Few people know that Kiril Marichkov's grandfather is one of the most significant architects in the post-liberation landscape of Sofia. The frontman of our legendary rock band "Crickets" Kiril Marichkov bears the name of his no less famous grandfather - Kiro Marichkov, whose wonderful architectural creations are in no way inferior to the masterpieces of European architecture.
Every day, without suspecting, residents of the capital pass by a number of magnificent buildings – work of Kiro Marichkov. Born way back in 1875 in Kalofer, he graduated in architecture in Karlsruhe, Germany and is remembered as a man who always worked according to schedule, walked quickly, drew constantly, but also played the piano and sang well. Apart from drawing, playing, singing a lot - he also composed and painted. Yes, he wrote pianos on songs and was also a great artist. A real talent! One wonders how he managed to create so much in his incredibly short life! He's gone quite young – only 46 years old, he left in Sofia, and not only there, a serious architectural heritage that preserved the splendor of the last century.
The charming Kiro Marichkov, the great architect Georgi Fingov, also from Kalofer, and the talented Nikola Lazarov from Karlovo, are the three Bulgarian architects with the greatest merits for the construction of the capital. Ironically, none of them are from Sofia.
Admire these iconic buildings:
1. Grand Hotel “Imperial“ from 1920. Impressive building with lavish architecture and baroque elements, attached to the Presidency at the corner of “Saborna“ and “Lege“. It is a real pleasure to enjoy this magnificent building! As you pass by, notice the hotel's beautifully inscribed door, which the architect spent months painting, detail by detail.
2. Dr. Georgi Lazarov's clinic from 1914 on “Denkoglu“ street, a little after the corner with "Vitoshka". Kiro Marichkov considered the unique neo-baroque building in Sofia his life's work, not the “Imperial” hotel.
3. The exquisite home of Dimitar Mamarchev from 1909 on Evlogi and Hristo Georgievi Blvd. #117 – joint project with Georgi Fingov. The island-topped tower and the pediment (forehead arch) with a female head impress passers-by.
4. The Funk House from 1903 commissioned by the Austrian doctor - Doctor Adolf Funk. At the intersection between the boulevards “Dondukov“ and “Vasil Levski” – then at the edge of the city, but so impressive with its European facade that Sofia residents took long walks just to catch a glimpse of it. The balconies, bay windows and especially the exquisite small tower (lantern) make an impression. The building is extremely beautiful inside as well. Joint project with Georgi Fingov.
5. The Drenkovi home from 1905 on “San Stefano“ #31 (today Residence of the Greek Ambassador) – joint project with architect Fingov.
6. The Razsolkovi house from 1914 on the corner of "Vitoshka" with "Thessalonica". Along its entire height, the facade is impressive with decorated garlands of leaves.
7. Smedovski's house or "The house with the tower" from 1910 again a joint project with Georgi Fingov. The neat building with its pointed tower and fantastic ornaments of wood, iron and stone is literally like something out of a fairy tale. Located on "Shipka" street 44.
And more than 200 of the most beautiful buildings in the capital, which managed to survive the vicissitudes of time for generations to come.
You can see detailed statistics on average property prices in Bulgaria by cities and neighborhoods HERE