Cherveno zname swim complex

Cherveno Zname Swim Complex: Bulgaria’s Abandoned Aquatic Giant

Take a 360-degree virtual urbex trip to the abandoned Cherveno Zname Swim Complex—also known as the Red Banner Swim Complex—located in Sofia, Bulgaria. This once-thriving aquatic facility now stands in haunting decay, offering a rare glimpse into the crumbling remains of a Cold War-era sports monument. Known for its massive Olympic-sized pool and Soviet-era architecture, the site now draws urban explorers from around the world with its eerie silence and ghostly beauty.

Use the panoramic images below on Google Maps Street View to virtually explore every cracked tile and graffiti-covered wall of this forgotten complex. Whether you’re scouting for your next urbex destination or diving into the history of abandoned sites in Bulgaria, this immersive experience lets you uncover the remnants of a forgotten era—no passport required.

Image by: Ivailo Sergeev

Image by: Reyhan Yakubov

A Communist-Era Aquatic Glory: History of Cherveno Zname Swim Complex

The Cherveno Zname Swim Complex (Плувен комплекс „Червено знаме“ in Bulgarian, meaning “Red Banner”) wasn’t always a ghostly ruin. In fact, it started as a crown jewel of Bulgarian sports infrastructure. Built between 1978 and 1985, the complex officially opened in 1985 to host the European Aquatics Championships​. At the time of its inauguration, it was celebrated as “the sports jewel of the capital and the pride of socialist Bulgaria,” and it was hailed as the most modern and largest swimming facility of its time on the Balkan Peninsula​. In other words, this place was a really big deal!

Key features of Cherveno Zname at its prime:

• Record-Breaking Size: It was the largest swim venue in the Balkans, boasting five separate pools. These included three indoor pools (an Olympic-size 50-meter pool, a deep diving/synchronized swimming pool, and a children’s training pool) and two outdoor pools (another Olympic-size pool and a separate diving pool). Few facilities in Europe at the time could match this scale.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Beyond the pools, the complex was part of a larger sports center that had just about everything. By 1988, the grounds featured a hockey rink, a figure skating ice rink, an athletics track, judo and gymnastics halls, handball courts, a full-size football (soccer) field with 1,000 seats, a smaller training field, an indoor sports competition hall, a shooting range, a medical rehabilitation center, plus an on-site hotel with 100 beds and a restaurant​. In short, it was a sprawling sports city designed to train champions and host competitions.

• Major Events and Champions: The very year it opened, Cherveno Zname hosted the 1985 European Aquatics Championship, drawing athletes and spectators from across Europe. The home crowd had much to cheer for – Bulgarian swimmer Tanya Bogomilova won a gold medal in the 200-meter breaststroke in these pools, and diver Petar Georgiev earned a silver on the 3-meter springboard​. These victories on home soil turned the complex into a symbol of national pride, inspiring a generation of Bulgarian swimmers and divers. The spectator stands (with a capacity of over 2,000) were packed during such events​, and the atmosphere was electric. (Imagine the echo of cheers that once bounced off those now-crumbling concrete walls.

• Operated by a Renowned Sports Club: During the communist era, the complex was associated with the CSKA sports club (Central Sport Club of the Army). Originally owned by a sports society called “Cherveno Zname,” it became property of CSKA in the 1960s, and the swimming facility was added to the CSKA base in 1985​ This meant it was a training home for many athletes in swimming, water polo, and other sports well into the 1990s and 2000s. Local kids from nearby neighborhoods learned to swim here, and national teams held training camps – an entire generation has memories of this place when it was full of life.

From Modern to Outdated: For many years after the fall of socialism, Cherveno Zname continued to serve athletes and the public. By the 2000s, however, it was showing its age. In 2009, an attempt was made to modernize the swim complex – a complete renovation costing around €6 million was undertaken​. New tiles were laid, systems updated, and hopes were high that the grand complex would regain some of its former glory. Sadly, this revival was short-lived. Within just a few years, the facility’s fortunes took a turn for the worse, leading to permanent closure. What happened? Let’s find out in the next section.

From Pride to Abandonment: Why Cherveno Zname Was Left to Ruin

Considering its prestigious history, one might wonder: Why was the Cherveno Zname Swim Complex abandoned? The reasons are a mix of changing times, financial troubles, and shifting priorities in Bulgaria’s post-communist era.

• Aging Infrastructure: The complex was a product of the 1980s, and by the 2010s it no longer met modern standards for international competition. In fact, a government review in 2022-2023 determined that no amount of renovation could truly modernize the old facility. One striking example given was the main pool’s size – it was built to the old Olympic standard of exactly 50 meters, but today’s requirements call for a 52-meter length (to accommodate touchpads and new regulations)​. Essentially, Cherveno Zname was literally too short for the times, and bringing it up to code would mean expensive structural changes. Officials concluded that the complex “does not meet contemporary requirements” for sports, and rebuilding new facilities might be more effective than pouring money into outdated ones​. When you visit, you’ll notice many design relics of the past that would be considered unsafe or inefficient by today’s athletic standards.

• Financial Constraints and Neglect: Maintaining a five-pool complex is no cheap endeavor. After the fall of communism in the 1990s, state funding for large sports venues dried up. The complex changed hands to various state agencies and was partly used by sports clubs, but likely suffered from insufficient maintenance budgets. Even after the 2009 EU-funded renovation, the ongoing costs (heating those big indoor pools, filtering water, etc.) were immense. Without a steady stream of revenue or government support, the facility became a money pit. By the early 2010s, it was operating in the red. Ultimately, it was shut down around 2012 due to safety concerns and lack of funds​. Local news reports confirm that the swimming pools were officially closed in 2012 and have been left unused since​. (Interestingly, some sources note 2015 as a final closure date​, but it appears the complex had already largely ceased operations by 2012, with only minor activities lingering on.)

• Shifting Priorities – New Venues and Plans: As Sofia grew and modernized, attention shifted to building brand-new sports facilities rather than fixing old ones. A telling example lies literally next door to Cherveno Zname: in 2011, the massive Arena Armeec Sofia (a modern indoor arena) was opened just a stone’s throw away. In fact, part of the old Cherveno Zname sports base – including an 8,000-seat football stadium on the premises – was demolished in 2010 to make space for Arena Armeec. This shows how the land itself became more valuable for new projects. Various proposals have been floated for the remaining complex over the years. At one point, officials talked about investing 50 million leva to fully refurbish Cherveno Zname​, and more recently there were ideas to incorporate it into a modern sports school or to build a new aquatics center on site. However, none of these plans have materialized. As of mid-2025, the Bulgarian government and the state-owned company that now holds the property (Serdika Sportni Imoti EAD) seem to be at a standstill – renovating the old pools is deemed impractical, yet building a new facility there requires political will and funding that haven’t come through. And so, the site sits in limbo.

• Wear and Vandalism: Once closed, Cherveno Zname fell victim to the fate of many abandoned places: vandalism, theft, and the slow onslaught of nature. Copper wiring and metal fixtures were likely stripped by scrappers, graffiti artists left their mark on nearly every wall, and without climate control, freeze-thaw cycles cracked tiles and concrete. The complex became, as one Bulgarian news outlet described, a “ruin sinking into decay, instead of a source of sporting success for today’s athletes”. It’s worth noting that not all of the Cherveno Zname complex is dead – a couple of smaller indoor halls (like a volleyball gym named after coach Vasil Simov) are still operational nearby​. But the grand pools and their spectator areas are completely forsaken, sealed off from public use.

In summary, Cherveno Zname Swim Complex was abandoned due to a combination of outdated design, high maintenance costs, and the lack of a viable plan to repurpose it. It went from being a source of immense local pride to a political hot potato – easier to just let it rot than to fix. For urban explorers, however, this downfall has a silver lining: an epic adventure spot, frozen in time.

The Ruins of Cherveno Zname: What Remains Today

Walking into the Cherveno Zname Swim Complex today is a surreal experience. The contrast between its past glory and current state can give you goosebumps. What will you find in these ruins?

The outdoor Olympic pool of the abandoned Cherveno Zname complex lies empty and littered with debris in the summer sun. Once filled with water and world-class swimmers, the pool is now a canvas for graffiti and a playground for urban explorers (as seen on the tiled walls). In the distance stands the old concrete diving tower, looming silently over the decay.

• Empty Pools & Graffiti Canvases: The five pools that were the heart of the complex now sit dry (or filled with stagnant rainwater puddles). The main outdoor 50m pool is particularly striking – its once-bright blue tiles have mostly peeled off or been smashed, leaving a patchwork of concrete and ceramic shards underfoot. The pool walls are covered in colorful graffiti murals and tags, turning the Olympic basin into an impromptu street art gallery. In the deep diving pool, you might see remnants of the platform structure. The indoor pools are dark and often harder to access, but with some effort you can peek at them: imagine a vast hall with an echoing emptiness, broken windows letting in shafts of light onto cracked tiles below. It’s both beautiful and eerie.

• Crumbling Infrastructure: As you explore, you’ll navigate crumbling concrete bleachers and rusting metal. The spectator stands that once held cheering crowds are now partially collapsed in spots, with weeds and small trees growing through the cracks. In the covered sections of the stands, dangling wires and chunks of ceiling material testify to years of neglect. The scoreboard and timing systems are long gone, but you might find old signage or faded lane markings around. The ancillary buildings – locker rooms, offices, the hotel wing – are mostly stripped bare. Broken glass from windows crunches underfoot. Nature is slowly reclaiming the complex: ivy and bushes creep over walls, and birds nest in the rafters. On a quiet day, you might only hear the wind whistling through open doorways and the distant hum of city traffic.

• Remnants of Former Life: Look closely, and you’ll spot poignant remnants of the complex’s active days. A shattered starting block here, the rusted frame of a scoreboard there, perhaps even an old “no running” pool rule sign or a piece of timing equipment left behind. In some corners, you’ll find piles of old tiles and construction material from the 2009 renovation – seemingly abandoned mid-project. In the hotel section (if you find a way in), the ghosts of hospitality remain in the form of empty elevator shafts and room layouts, though any furniture has likely been removed or destroyed. One particularly atmospheric area is the former indoor diving hall – the diving boards and platforms (made of solid concrete) still loom over a dry plunge pool, like a Brutalist sculpture. Stand underneath and you can almost hear the splash that once was.

• Vandalism and Cleanup: Be prepared to see plenty of vandalism. Graffiti is everywhere – some of it artistic, some just scribbles. Trash and dumped items litter parts of the site (old tires, bottles, etc., evidence of occasional illegal dumping or teenage hangouts). Unfortunately, vandals have also caused structural damage – setting small fires or smashing walls. On the flip side, there are signs that the authorities periodically attempt to secure or clean the area (you might notice newer fencing in spots or debris pushed into piles), but these efforts are minimal. The complex is essentially in a state of arrested decay: not being actively demolished, but not maintained either.

Exploring these remains, it’s easy to imagine the ghosts of swimmers and spectators that once animated Cherveno Zname. The place has an almost cinematic quality – many photographers and filmmakers have been drawn to it as a backdrop. It’s truly a centerpiece for urban exploring in Bulgaria, given its size, relative safety (no heavy machinery or active operations inside), and historical significance. Speaking of exploring, if you’re itching to grab your camera and head over, keep reading. The next section provides a practical guide on how to visit safely and responsibly.

Urban Exploration Guide: Visiting the Cherveno Zname Complex

Before you set off to explore this abandoned in Bulgaria landmark, it’s important to plan your visit properly. Urban exploration can be rewarding, but it comes with risks – legal, physical, and otherwise. Below we’ve compiled friendly advice and tips for visiting Cherveno Zname Swim Complex as safely and respectfully as possible. Let’s break it down:

Location & Access Routes

The Cherveno Zname Swim Complex is located in the Geo Milev neighborhood of Sofia, in an area locally known as the “4th kilometer”. The address is along Asen Yordanov Boulevard, not far from the major Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. If you’re coming from downtown Sofia, it’s roughly 7 km east of the city center. Here’s how to get there and find your way in:

• By Public Transport or Car: The site is conveniently near Arena Armeec Sofia, a huge modern arena that many locals know. You can take buses or trolleybuses that stop near Arena Armeec or the Sofia Tech Park (which is right next door to the complex). The Tech Park, opened in 2015, borders the southwest side of the Cherveno Zname grounds – you might actually see the abandoned pools from the edge of the Tech Park campus through the fence. If driving, you can park in the vicinity of Arena Armeec or on side streets in Geo Milev. From there, it’s a short walk to the fenced perimeter of the swim complex.

• Finding the Entrance: As an abandoned site, there is no official entrance for visitors, but urban explorers have identified a few points of access. The complex is fenced off, but parts of the fencing have holes or have been torn down. Walk the perimeter (which spans Asen Yordanov Blvd and a smaller street behind the complex) and you’ll likely find a gap in the fence or an open gate. Sometimes, the most popular entry is from the rear, away from the main road and closer to the Tech Park, where fewer eyeballs are watching. Pro tip: scout the area in daylight and look for paths trodden in the grass or obvious holes in the fence – previous explorers have a way of marking the easiest route. Once through the fence, you may have to scramble through some bushes or climb over low debris piles to actually get into the pool area or buildings.

• Be Stealthy & Respectful: The complex, although abandoned, is government property (owned by the Ministry of Sport’s company as of now)​. While there isn’t a heavy security presence, you’re technically trespassing. It’s wise to enter discreetly. Avoid loud noise and use a flashlight at night. Local residents or park security (from the Tech Park) might occasionally patrol the outer area. Generally, if you’re calm and low-key, you won’t attract attention. It’s best to go with a small group of 2–3 people rather than a huge crowd. And obviously, do not break locks or force entry – only use already-open access points. We want to leave no trace of our visit aside from footprints.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Exploring Cherveno Zname can be done relatively safely, but you are going into a decaying structure. Safety first! Here are some precautions to keep in mind:

• Wear the Right Gear: Solid shoes or boots are a must – you’ll be walking on broken tiles, concrete chunks, and possibly slippery mossy surfaces. Consider wearing thick gloves as well, especially if you plan to climb or steady yourself on rough surfaces (there’s plenty of rusted metal and shattered glass around). A dust mask isn’t a bad idea for indoor areas, since dust, mold or even asbestos could be present in old insulation. And of course, a flashlight or headlamp for any dark corners (the indoor pool halls can be pitch black deep inside). Bring spare batteries or a backup light source.

• Watch Your Step: This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get distracted taking photos and forget that the ground is uneven. The pool bottoms might have loose debris and the pool edges can be several meters deep drops. If you venture onto the bleachers, note that some sections are crumbling – a fall from the bleachers or diving tower could be fatal. Never run or jump carelessly, and test structures before putting your full weight. Avoid climbing the old diving platforms; they may look tempting for a view, but the ladders could be corroded and the platforms themselves might have weakened over time. Also, beware of holes in floors or missing manhole covers – especially in machine rooms or maintenance areas there could be open pits.

• Stay Aware of the Environment: The site is outdoors and partially wooded, so nature has its own hazards too. In summer, watch for overgrown vegetation that can hide glass or metal. There may be insects like wasps nesting in quiet corners, or even the occasional snake basking in the ruins (rare, but possible in Bulgaria’s climate). In winter, ice on tiles can be extremely slippery. If you go after rainfall, puddles and wet surfaces can also be slick – those pool tiles were meant to be underwater, not walked on! We also recommend exploring in daylight or with very good lighting – shadows can conceal dangers. Night exploration is extra risky here due to the structural hazards.

• Buddy System: It’s strongly advised not to explore alone. Bring at least one friend who can call for help or assist if you get injured. Cell phone service is generally available (it’s in the city after all), but deep inside some structures your signal might drop. Let someone outside the exploration party know where you’re going and what time you expect to be done, just as a basic precaution.

Legal Considerations

Urban exploration always flirts with legality issues, and Cherveno Zname is no exception. Here’s the lowdown on the legal side:

• Trespassing: The complex is fenced and officially off-limits. By entering, you are trespassing on government property. In Bulgaria, trespassing laws exist, though enforcement is relatively lax for abandoned sites if you’re not causing damage. Should you encounter security or police, be polite, speak calmly, and explain you’re just taking photographs and exploring history. Worst case, they’ll ask you to leave. It’s extremely unlikely (virtually unheard of) for an urban explorer to be prosecuted for simply being inside, as long as you haven’t broken anything to get in or stolen/damaged property. Still, the safest approach is to go when the area is quiet and avoid being seen climbing in.

• Signs and Warnings: You might see signs around the perimeter like “No Entry” or “Danger – Building Unsafe” (in Bulgarian: “Влизането забранено” or “Опасен обект”). These are your warnings that legally you shouldn’t go further. By proceeding, you assume responsibility for any risks. Again, this underscores why it’s important to be careful – you can’t really sue anyone for injuries if you knowingly trespassed into an unsafe ruin.

• Interactions: If approached by an authority figure (security guard, police officer, or even a concerned neighbor), it’s best to apologize and offer to leave. Carrying identification is recommended. Often, saying you’re a tourist or architecture enthusiast curious about the place can smooth things over. In Bulgaria, photography in public spaces is legal, but on private property (or restricted state property in this case) they technically can stop you. Usually, though, the worst consequence is getting kicked out. To date, many explorers and photographers (even organized photoshoots) have taken place in Cherveno Zname, so it’s somewhat “tolerated” as long as you’re not blatantly causing trouble.

• Don’t Steal or Vandalize: This should go without saying, but we’ll say it: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. Removing any artifacts from the site is illegal and ruins the experience for others. Plus, every scrap of history left adds to the atmosphere. Likewise, adding your own graffiti or breaking things is a huge no-no. Not only is it disrespectful, it could also land you in serious trouble if caught (vandals are looked upon less kindly than peaceful explorers).

Best Times to Visit

Choosing the right time to explore can make a big difference in both your experience and your likelihood of running into issues.

• Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon on weekends can be ideal. Early morning (just after sunrise) ensures you have daylight for safety, and there are very few people around. The complex is near business and sports facilities that get busy during work hours or event times. By going on a Sunday morning, for instance, you avoid the Tech Park employees and any events at Arena Armeec (unless there’s a special event; check the arena’s schedule if you want to be extra cautious). Late afternoon toward golden hour can give amazing lighting for photos – the way the sun beams through the broken roofs and lights up the pool interiors is magical – but make sure you have enough daylight to exit safely. Avoid nighttime unless you’re extremely confident; it’s more dangerous and you’re more likely to attract attention with flashlights in the dark.

• Season: The complex can be explored year-round, but each season has its pros and cons. Spring and autumn are fantastic – mild weather, some greenery for contrast in photos, and not too overgrown. Summer offers long daylight hours, but note that the area can get overgrown with foliage, and you might contend with mosquitoes by the pools. Also, in summer the place is more visible to passersby (noisy explorers might be heard by people in the vicinity since windows are open in the neighborhoods, etc.). Winter has the benefit of no foliage (so you can see structures clearly) and no bugs, but snow and ice make exploration treacherous – plus your footprints in the snow are a dead giveaway that someone went in. If you do go in winter, be extremely careful on icy surfaces and dress warmly, as the concrete bunker-like areas can feel freezing.

• Avoiding Crowds: While “crowd” is hardly an issue in an abandoned pool, you may encounter other explorers or photographers, especially on weekends. Generally, fellow urban explorers are friendly – just respect each other’s space. If you prefer solitude for a more intense experience or photography without people, weekdays might be quieter. Also, try to avoid times when an event at Arena Armeec is happening (concerts, sports matches) because the whole area will have more security and onlookers, which could complicate your entry/exit.

One more thing: keep an eye on local news. Every so often, there’s talk of redevelopment or increased security at the site. For example, if a project suddenly begins to demolish or renovate the complex, you’d want to know before heading out. As of our latest update, the complex remains untouched and freely (if unofficially) accessible to adventurers.

Final Thoughts: Preserving a Piece of Bulgaria’s Past

Exploring the Cherveno Zname Swim Complex is a journey through time. In just a couple of hours on site, you can vividly imagine its rise from a grand communist-era sports palace to its fall as a graffiti-clad ruin. For urban explorers passionate about history, architecture, or just the thrill of discovery, this complex is truly a highlight of urban exploring in Bulgaria. It stands as a monument to a bygone era – one where optimistic investments in public sports infrastructure eventually gave way to the harsh realities of economic transition.

As you venture through the empty halls and stand at the edge of the silent pools, take a moment to reflect. The silence you experience is a recent development; just a few decades ago, this place echoed with splashes, cheers, and laughter. Every peeling piece of paint or broken tile has a story to tell. By visiting respectfully, you become part of the ongoing story of Cherveno Zname – not as a swimmer or spectator, but as a witness to its silent chapter.

Finally, remember that with the privilege of exploring such places comes the responsibility to do so ethically. The friendly urban exploration community thrives when we respect the locations. So, if you do visit Cherveno Zname, treat it kindly: don’t litter, don’t destroy, and be mindful of your safety and that of others. This way, the complex will remain for others to experience and document, until perhaps one day it’s given new life or purpose.

In summary, the Cherveno Zname Swim Complex is more than just an abandoned pool; it’s a slice of Bulgarian history frozen in concrete and tile. Whether you’re a seasoned urban explorer or a curious traveler in Sofia looking for something off the beaten path, this site offers an informative adventure. With its grand story, safe access (relatively speaking!), and haunting atmosphere, it’s no wonder Cherveno Zname has become an iconic spot for those exploring places long forgotten. Happy (and safe) exploring – and may your visit to this abandoned aquatic giant be as memorable as its past.

If you liked this blog post, you might want to read about the abandoned Cotton Belt Freight Depot in Missouri, the Villa Stefani in Italy or the Hotel Nimrod in Hungary.

A 360-degree panoramic image at the abandoned Cherveno Zname Swim Complex in Sofia, Bulgaria. Photo by: Ivailo Sergeev

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