Start your holiday in Bulgaria with a visit to
SOFIA the capital
city of Bulgaria since 1879 following the war of liberation from the Ottoman Empire
1877-78.
This ever changing city is now home to a vast array of bars, restaurants and discos
in fact over 300 of them within a 2 mile radius of the city centre. What is more,
as this city to date is not as well known as other major European cities, prices
are more affordable.
Sofia is charming, and easily navigated by tram or a number of buses or taxis.
Places of interest in Sofia
Alexander Nevski Memorial Church
The Nevski Church is the finest piece of architecture in Bulgaria and one of the
most important sights in Sofia. It was completed in 1912 in honour of the Russian
casualties of the 1877-78 War of Liberation from Ottoman Rule. It is gold doomed
and the interior decoration is made of Italian marble. Egyptian alabaster, Brazilian
onyx, gold, mosaics embodies the spirit of the finest Eastern Orthodox traditions.
A collection of icons, which has the reputation of being the best in Bulgaria, can
also be found in the Crypt.
University of Sofia
A decade after Sofia became the capital in 1879, the Sofia University was built.
This university, which is the most prestigious in the country, was built with funds
bequeathed by the brothers Evlogi and Christo Georgiev.
Vassil Levski Monument
Vassil Levski was the principal architect of the campaign to free Bulgaria from
the oppression of the Ottoman Empire. The monument marks the spot where he was hanged
by the Turks in 1873.
St. Sofia Church
This basilica was built during the reign of Justinian (4th-6th century) and towards
the end of the 14th century gave the city its name. The tomb of the famous national
poet and writer Ivan Vazov can be found.
The National Palace of Culture
The largest Congress Centre in the Balkans, can be found in the centre of the town
and faces the Vitosha Mountain.
The Church of St. Nedelya
(Opposite the Sheraton Hotel) The original church was built in medieval times and
reconstructed after 1925 after being almost destroyed by a bomb. The church was
originally known as the Church of the Blessed Sveti Kral.
Mount Vitosha
A holiday
in Sofia would not be complete without a trip to Mount Vitosha. Bulgaria’s most
visited mountain is only a cheap, short ride from the city centre by tram and or
bus. Wonderful views will captivate you from Cherni Vrah, the highest point, reached
by a series of cabin rides, or if you prefer Alexo, at 1868m in height. Not only
are you able to ski here but mountain bike tracks can be walked or rode from the
heights to the base. Enjoy the ski season from December to late spring