Like an honorable citizen of our planet, once upon an early morning I found myself on the way to Bell Valley, Sofia. No, this is not a magical place full of music, musicians or anything like that.
This is a park-complex at the very edge of Sofia built back in 1979 and honestly, it looks quite well for it’s age. I have a very strange opinion about every monument build back on those days and it’s that human figures look kinda creepy because of the socialistic style many of the artists and lecturers at the National Academy of Arts once had … some still have it too. Some of you may notice that during their visit as well.
On the bright side, the rest of Bell Valley has a positive vibe and you will enjoy it for sure.
The bells area has a 37 meters monument with larger bells on top where each pillar represents world direction. There’s an engine at the bottom of the whole construction. I am not a mechanic but I think that this engine makes the giant bells ring. Considering how massive the whole thing is … I am not sure I want to be around when that happens!
The lower sections have plenty of bells, each designed by important world organizations and countries around the world. Each bell has own sound as well. Some of them are small, others big and massive. It has been built as a main ground for the international festival called ‘Flag of Piece’ but everything changed at a later stage. Both, UNESCO and Unicef, took a part in building the place, back in the times which left me quite impressed … because UNESCO does not seem go care about the monument at the moment. At all … oh well! Back on track.
My personal favorites are the NATO bell and the one from Nepal. It’s just small but has a strange sound. There’s a general rule - only children can ring the bells. If you are a never growing child, be my guest but careful! Don’t break anything. That’s the life basics here, I think. Still, bells are charming and I can hardly imagine them, creating a melody around this place.
Generally, the surrounding park is called ‘International Park of the Children of the World’, however in this part of Sofia, everyone knows this place as Bell Valley. It’s lovely place, quiet, with wide areas where children can play and parents can spend some time in the sun. No, there’s no pool, water or anyone selling anything. Which is good tho. Use your backpack to transfer food and supply.
Directions you can take to get here:
Using public transport: Buses 111, 112 and 314, Subway - Station Business Park (red line) and then the long walk.
There’s a parking area with picnic grounds with tables and recycle bins. This will let you take the car with you, in case of organizing your child’s birthday party or any other occasion. That’s just an idea.
If you have already spent the time to visit, please, share experience. If you have questions, you’re free to ask in the comments. For the enthusiastic backpackers with more knowledge about the place - comments again or just share a photo from this place. 
