Sofia Travel Guide
Located in the Sofia Valley, the capital city of Bulgaria lies at the foot of the Vitosha and Lyulin Mountains, and is the centre of the country’s political, business and cultural life.
Founded over 7,000 years ago around numerous hot and cold mineral springs, which are still available today, Sofia has flourished and declined around a variety of civilisations. It is one of the oldest settlements in Europe and numerous archaeological, cultural and historical monuments from its rich Thracian, Byzantine, Roman, Slav and Turkish history have been preserved among the modern edifices, the blend of the new and the old lending a charming quality to the capital.
Despite its modern, cosmopolitan nature, Sofia has a laid back atmosphere and the proximity of Mount Vistosha, offering a myriad of recreational opportunities on the city’s doorstep, adds to the relaxed feel of the city. Like any capital city, Sofia also has a wealth of museums and galleries, and boasts plenty of cultural entertainment.
Getting Around
The centre of Sofia is easily accessible by public transport, which includes buses, trams and trolleybuses. Buses run from 5am until midnight and until 1am for trams. Single trip tickets can be purchased before boarding as well as on the vehicle and must be punched once aboard. It is not practical to travel into or around the city centre by car as parking spaces are limited and traffic can be a problem. Taxis are also easily available.
Attractions
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral:
One of the finest examples of 20th-century architecture in Sofia and one of the symbols of the city, the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built between 1882 and 1912 to honour the Russian soldiers who died fighting to liberate Bulgaria from Turkish rule in the war of 1878 under Tsar Alexander II. The famous church-monument is situated on the tree-lined square of the same name, which also contains the Monument of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. The impressive five-nave basilica houses an interior just as splendid, with mosaics, stained glass windows, marble and woodcarvings as well as frescoes that cover the walls and domes. The underground crypt houses the Icon Museum featuring icon paintings from across the country that represents masterpieces from the 9th to the 18th century.
Address: 1 St Alexander Nevsky Square Telephone: (0)2 877 697 Website: www.sofia.com/culture/churches/nevsky.html Opening Time: Daily 7am to 5.30pm. Museum opens 10am to 6pm; closed Tuesdays Admission: The cathedral is free, but admission is charged for the museum
National Ethnographic Museum:
The National Ethnographic Museum has one of the richest collections on the Balkan Peninsula representing the traditions, arts, crafts and lifestyle of the Bulgarian people from the 17th to the 20th century. The museum contains a wealth of exhibits from around the country, including national costumes, jewellery, art works and musical instruments. It is also a popular cultural and educational centre. A craft shop sells crafts and other traditional Bulgarian items from all over Bulgaria.
Address: 6A Moskovska Street Telephone: (0)2 874 191 Opening Time: Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am to 5.30pm
Rila Monastery:
The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria’s monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains, 75 miles (120km) from Sofia, and is one of the most significant monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the 10th century, and eventually became a monastic complex that played a primary role in the spiritual history of medieval Bulgaria. Having survived fire, abandonment and plunder, the monastery fascinates visitors today with its exquisite architecture, rich murals and icons and valuable museum collection, including old manuscripts, jewellery, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books.
Address: 75 miles (120km) from Sofia Telephone: 987 5611 Transport: There is regular bus transport from the town of Rila or Sofia. Many travel agents offer day tours from Sofia Opening Time: Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter hours. Services are from 7 or 8am and 4 or 5pm depending on the time of year
St George Rotunda:
The rotunda church of St George is considered to be the oldest building in Sofia, dating to the 4th century, and is situated amid the remains of the ancient Roman town of Serdica. St George Rotunda is famous for its exquisite architecture and layers of medieval frescoes that were discovered under a covering of plaster. The magnificent dome is protected by UNESCO and the church functions at present as a museum.
Opening Time: Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 5.30pm
St Sofia:
St Sofia is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in the city, dating from the 4th to 6th century, and is regarded as one of the most significant examples of early Christian architecture in the Balkans. In the 14th century the church gave its name to the city of Sofia, meaning ‘holy wisdom’. During the Turkish rule the church was converted into a mosque, but was abandoned after two successive earthquakes destroyed one of the minarets almost 30 years later, and it was again converted into an orthodox church. Local legends credit St Sofia’s miraculous powers for its protection over the centuries, surviving occupations and natural disasters to remain as a spiritual inspiration to the city.
Address: 2 Paris Street Telephone: (0)2 870 971
Vitosha Mountain:
Rising above Sofia, Vitosha Mountain is one of the symbols of the capital and is the most visited mountain in Bulgaria. Starting from where the suburbs end, the whole mountain has been designated a national park, the oldest in the Balkans, and is home to deer, bear, wild boar, fox and a variety of rare birds. Vitosha is known for its ‘stone rivers’, or moraines, piles of huge rounded granite boulders carried and deposited by glaciers thousands of years ago, as well as for its curative mineral springs. It is popular during any season and the well-known resort of Aleko is the most established winter ski resort offering modern hotels and ski facilities within easy reach of the capital.
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