Sofia city
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. The city is surrounded by mountains on three sides: Vitosha to the south, Lyulin to the west and The Balkans to the north. It is located at 550 meters above sea level. Its population is about 1 300 000 people. Over the centuries, the city has had several names: Serdonopolis, Serdica, Sredets. The earliest archaeological evidence of the occupation of the territory of Sofia is from the early Neolithic (VI millennium BC). In the Ist century AD Serdica is conquered by the Romans, who turned it into a thriving Roman city. Serdica was the favorite city of Emperor Constantine the Great (306-337). The city was fortified with a strong fortress wall and four observation towers around the year of 175, and a second outer fortress wall was built in the V - VI c. The city experienced its second bloom under the reign of Emperor Justinian the Great (527-565).
During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1393) Sredets became a big medieval city. The streets were narrow; many churches and monasteries were built during that period.
In 1382 the city was conquered by the Ottomans. On April 3, 1879, it was proclaimed the capital of Bulgaria. Sofia is the main administrative, industrial, transport, cultural and university center of the country. 1/6 of the industrial production of Bulgaria is concentrated there.
The city constantly hosts numerous cultural, musical, sports and other events.
Sights:
During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185 - 1393) Sredets became a big medieval city. The streets were narrow; many churches and monasteries were built during that period.
In 1382 the city was conquered by the Ottomans. On April 3, 1879, it was proclaimed the capital of Bulgaria. Sofia is the main administrative, industrial, transport, cultural and university center of the country. 1/6 of the industrial production of Bulgaria is concentrated there.
The city constantly hosts numerous cultural, musical, sports and other events.
Sights:
- The Zoo
- "St. George" Rotunda
- "Saint Sofia" Church
- "Boyana" church
- "St. Petka Samardzhiyska" Church
- "St Petka Stara" Church
- "St. Nichola" Church
- "Holy Virgin Vitoshka" Dragalevsky Monastery
- Kremikovsky Monastery
- "St. Alexander Nevsky" Cathedral
- "St. Paraskeva" Church
- "St. Nedelya" Church
- The Romanian Church
- The Russian Church
- The Greek Church
- The Synagogue of Sofia
- The Monument of Vasil Levski
- The Monument of the Tsar Liberator
- "Ivan Vazov" National theater
- National Palace of Culture
- Central mineral bath
- The Statue of Sofia
- Central Military Club
- The mausoleum of Prince Alexander Batenberg
- "Borisova gradina" Park
- Vitosha Park
- South Park
- West Park
- North Park
- "Vrana" Park Museum
