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Today, December 16, 2024, the newest Tourist Information Centre in Sofia Municipality, "Tram 83," was officially opened.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Mayors of Sofia Municipality Nikola Barbutov and Iliyan Pavlov, the Deputy Minister of Tourism Pavlin Petrov, councils from the Sofia City Council, representatives of the "Public Transport & Infrastructure"
Association, which initiated the project, representatives of Siemens-Bulgaria, which financed the project back in 2015, representatives of Sofia Electric Transport – "Tramcar" Division, which restored the tram to its original form, the teams responsible for placing it on Banski Square, representatives of all religious communities, and residents and guests of the capital.
In his official address, Anton Penev, Director of the Sofia Tourism Administration, thanked all the individuals who have initiated and supported the project over the years.
"Tram 83" was placed on Banski Square at the end of October 2024 to fulfill the purposes for which it was restored – to become a tourist attraction and a tourist information centre. Besides traveling through the history of Sofia and its tramway movement, which began back in 1901, the tram will also become a tourist attraction.
The location of the tram was not chosen by chance. It is situated in an area of constant tourist interest, where the historic center of Old Sofia is located and surrounded by layers of history. In this area, known as the "Quadrangle of Religious Tolerance," different cultures and religions in Sofia and Bulgaria coexist in mutual respect. It is also located near kvARTal, Women's Market, and the Museum of History of Sofia.
The program featured the Representative Military Brass Band of the Land Forces of Bulgaria, conducted by Major Todor Penkov. The Brass Band transported everyone into the spirit of the 1930s – the period when the journey of Tram 83 began.
The symbolic start of the new history of "Tram 83" was given by: Nikola Barbutov – Deputy Mayor of Sofia Municipality, Anton Penev – Director of the Tourism Department, Pavlin Petrov – Deputy Minister of Tourism, Boryana Manolova – Executive Director of Siemens Bulgaria, and Eng. Tsanko Simeonov – Member of the Management Board of the "Public Transport & Infrastructure" Association.
The new Tourist Information Centre "Tram 83" will combine the living history and cultural richness of Sofia and will provide an unparalleled tourist experience for the guests and residents of the capital.
