Ivan Vazov (1850–1921) is regarded as the national poet of Bulgaria. He lived and worked in Sofia, where he wrote many of his most influential novels and poems that shaped Bulgarian literature and identity.
Peyo Yavorov (1878–1914) was a Bulgarian poet and revolutionary. Closely linked to Sofia’s literary circles, his poetry explored themes of love, struggle, and national freedom.
Aleko Konstantinov (1863–1897) was a Bulgarian writer and public intellectual. Active in Sofia, he is best known for the satirical novel "Bay Ganyo," a cornerstone of Bulgarian literature.
Elin Pelin (1877–1949) was a Bulgarian writer who spent much of his life in Sofia. His stories vividly portrayed rural Bulgarian life and national traditions.
Nikolay Haytov (1919–2002) was a Bulgarian writer and publicist associated with Sofia’s cultural institutions. His works focused on folklore, morality, and Bulgarian identity.
Boris Christoff (1914–1993) was a world-renowned Bulgarian opera bass. Though born outside Sofia, he trained and performed there, becoming an international ambassador of Bulgarian musical talent.
Christo (1935–2020) was a Bulgarian-born artist who studied in Sofia before gaining global fame. His large-scale environmental art projects transformed public spaces worldwide.
Georgi Partsalev (1925–1989) was a beloved Bulgarian actor and comedian closely associated with Sofia’s theater and film scene. He remains an icon of Bulgarian cinema.
Svetlin Rusev (1933–2018) was a prominent Bulgarian painter, born in Sofia. His expressive works earned national and international recognition in modern art.
Petar Beron (1799–1871) was a Bulgarian scholar and educator whose influence extended to Sofia’s academic life. His work laid foundations for modern Bulgarian education.