7 November 2008 | About two dozen of Bulgaria’s most important landmarks can now be seen from a bird’s eye view within minutes, thanks to a permanent exhibition of three-dimensional, miniature models now displayed in the capital, Sofia.

The exhibition Bulgaria in Miniature, which presents scaled models of 22 of Bulgaria’s most significant historical landmarks, is now on permanent display at the Krasno Selo Cultural Home/Ritual Hall on 41 Tsar Boris Boulevard. Before settling there, the exhibition toured 10 Bulgarian cities and three European capitals.

The landmarks’ scale models are equipped with hidden loudspeakers and special lighting, as well as miniature figures of people that enhance the lifelike effect. Controlled by a computer system, each model “comes to life” through light and sound at certain intervals, allowing visitors to experience a virtual tour of the entire country within minutes.

Some of the scale models currently on display include the Rila Monastery, the town of Koprivshtitsa, the Madara Horseman stone relief and the Tsarevets Palace in Veliko Tarnovo.

Entry to the exhibit is 4 leva (around 2 euro) and organizers say the revenue will be used to make more models.

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