Younger residents of Sofia might ask: “Why is the park called that, when ‘Maychin Dom’ is located next to the National Palace of Culture?” But older residents will recall that from its very inception in 1903 right up until the mid-1970s, Sofia’s first specialist obstetrics and gynaecology clinic was situated near the junction of Hristo Botev Boulevard and Klokotnitsa Street.

Construction of the old building began in 1896 on the initiative of Princess Maria Luisa, which is why it bears her name. The hospital opened its doors in the winter of 1903 to meet the need for adequate professional treatment and care for new mothers. Alas, by then the noble princess was no longer alive, having passed away due to ill health following the birth of her last child. The building was officially opened in the presence of Prince Ferdinand and the capital’s elite, and the surrounding area was landscaped with gardens and paths, following an idea by its first director, Dr Dimitar Stamov. The hospital served faithfully until 1976, when ‘Maternity Home’ moved to a new building at Alexandrovska Hospital.

Today, the old address is now home to the National Centre for Transfusion Haematology, but the little garden out front retains its name and charm. The stone animals – a bear, a rhinoceros, a dog, a pelican and, of course, the iconic ‘Little Elephant’ – are the work of the sculptor Ivan Ikilyulev. It is precisely this elephant, which many associate with ‘Goodnight, Children’ and Suncho’s orange tent, that continues to welcome new generations to play.

Whether you’ve passed through here with a rucksack on your way to Central Station, with a pushchair, or simply with a coffee in hand – know that you’re not in just any old garden.