Sofia

One of Europe’s oldest cities – founded some 7000 years ago – Sofia is located on the edge of the Sofia Basin, at the foot of the Vitosha Range.

Sofia acquired its name from the 6^th century Church of St. Sofia. Sofia’s main tourist attractions are generally concentrated in a narrow section of the inner city, which can be comfortably traversed on foot.

The city’s historic monuments faithfully reflect the mixture of Roman, Turkish, Byzantine and Bulgarian cultures to which it was exposed over the hundreds of years.   Of the monuments dating from the Roman period, the most widely known one is the Saint George Church. The Banya Bashi Mosque, built in the 16^th century, is a reminder of the period of Ottoman rule. Sofia’s most famous attraction is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral built in the early 20^th century.

Situated not far from the city, the Boyana Church, which is one of the best preserved medieval buildings, has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.  The Vitosha Range, to the south of Sofia, is a favourite hiking area in summer and a popular ski resort in winter.

Category: Uncategorized