Boyana Church rises between huge trees in a green yard at the foot of Vitosha Mountain near Sofia. Its present-day appearance the church acquired in the course of nine whole centuries; first as early as 10th century a tiny church was built here. In 13th century by will of the local lord, Sebastocrator Kaloyan the old church was expanded, a new two-storey church was built next to it and inside both were richly decorated with frescoes. Finally in 19th century another building was added.
The frescoes, painted in 1259, are one of the most valuable collections of medieval paintings, and the church is one of the most perfect and completely preserved monuments of East European medieval art.