Sofia’s Natural Wealth – Myth or Reality?
According to national surveys*, Sofia ranks among the richest capitals in the world in terms of mineral water resources. Spanning an area of 1,200 square kilometres, the city is home to a variety of underground water sources that surface as natural thermal springs. Thanks to its unique hydrogeological conditions, this “liquid gold” flows through Sofia’s many arteries—freely accessible to anyone who wishes to take a piece of history bottled straight from nature.
Adventure in a bottle
❶ Grab your bottle of LIQUID GOLD.
❷ Choose a location from the list and visit one of the city’s mineral springs.
❸ Take a piece of Sofia with you — bottle the “liquid gold” and keep the adventure alive.
What is Liquid Gold?
LIQUID GOLD is more than just a bottle — it’s a pocket guide. By scanning the QR code, the owner gains access to valuable information about Sofia’s mineral water, along with navigation for a short walk to the springs in and around the city.
Made from durable, reusable material, the bottle encourages refilling at each of the listed locations — making every visit a sustainable adventure.
About the author:
Vasil Iliev is a graphic designer and art director at one of the leading culture and lifestyle publications — Magazine 1. His work explores dominant themes such as the relationship between humans and their environment in the context of the "brave new world." Over the years, he has played a key role as Art Director for VICE Magazine Bulgaria and AMICA Magazine. He is also the Creative Director of Sofia Design Week – Next Identity and the founder of the cultural and advertising platform What if....
Vasil Iliev has curated and co-produced numerous exhibitions and competitions, leaving a significant mark on Bulgaria’s contemporary creative scene.
* LIQUID GOLD is the winner of the Klek Shop @ DOT Sofia souvenir competition, selected by a jury composed of Veselina Sarieva (DOT Sofia and Sarieva Gallery), Adriana Andreeva and Boyana Gyaurova (Komplekt), Dr Pancho Georgiev - owner of DOT Sofia, Vyara Zhelyazkova (I/O Architects) and Dima Stefanova (Know-How / Show-How).
The competition, with a prize fund and the possibility of serial production of a product, was organised in partnership with Komplekt on the occasion of the seventh edition of Melba, the Sofia Design Festival.
Sources:
https://www.sofia.bg