“Patilantsi” – a familiar name from childhood and the stories of Ran Bosilek’s characters – became Sofia’s first modern amusement park in 1998. With bumper cars, a plane cockpit, roundabouts, gondolas, a stage and the sound of children’s laughter, the park in the Mladost 3 residential district quickly became a magnet for children from all over the city.

Over the years, it has changed its name twice – first to ‘Palavnici’, then to ‘Bobby and Kelly’ – but some of the attractions remain exactly where we remember them. Today, the park covers 5,200 square metres, 2,000 of which are in the indoor section of the complex – featuring trampolines, a stage, coin-operated games and inflatable wonders that continue to thrill new generations.

And although children no longer know who Pattilancho is, the place still retains its spirit – chaotic, cheerful and perfectly suited to a childhood in Sofia.