The Mineral Baths in Knyazhevo are believed to be one of the oldest surviving buildings in Sofia. According to some sources, it has existed since the 17th century – at a time when the village at the foot of the mountain was called Bali Efendi, named after a local cleric revered for his kindness. His tomb (türbe) still stands quietly in the courtyard of ‘St. Prophet Elijah’.

The mineral baths are mentioned in the memoirs of the traveller Evliya Çelebi from over 350 years ago, who wrote of a ‘bath with healing waters’. And although it has stood the test of time, today it is at risk. For years, local residents and their supporters have been fighting to ensure that the Knyazhevska Bath does not disappear, but is restored and returned to the city. Because Sofia needs living memories.