One of Sofia' Symbols – Ariana Lake – Re-opened

News,bg, April 14, 2008

On 11 April, one of the attractions of Sofia, the Ariana lake in the “Borissova gradina” park re-opened again, the press center of Sofia municipality informed.

Pedalos and boats will be in use again in the lake offering entertainment and opportunity for relaxation of young and adult.

This year, a children center will function in the area of the Ariana lake. It will be divided in two: for children under 5 and for children above 5 years.

Acoustic fence has been built, which to prevent from the noise and the pollution from the nearby boulevards. 150 cypresses have been planted.

The history of “Ariana lake” dates back to 1879 when the construction of the lake starts. It is finished in 1904. During the years, Ariana becomes a symbolic place for meetings and entertainment in the Bulgarian capital. The first ice-skating-rink in Sofia has been made exactly there.

In 1988 the “Borissova gradina” park and the lake acquire the status of monuments of garden and park art.

In the early 80s the lake is drained and remains not in use. Nearly 30 years later, the lake is returned to Sofia citizens by Sofia municipality and its partners in a modern and attractive shape.