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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
Hours: Daily from 7am to 6pm
Admission: Free

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. The St George Rotunda is famous for its exquisite architecture and layers of medieval frescoes that were discovered under a covering of plaster. The church currently functions as a museum and the magnificent dome is protected by UNESCO.
Address: 5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya
Phone Number: (0)2 981 6541
Hours: Daily except Friday 8am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm
Admission: Free

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 honor 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
Phone Number: 981 5775
Hours: Daily 7am to 5.30pm. Museum opens 10am to 6pm; closed Tuesdays
Admission: The cathedral is free, but admission is 3 lev for the museum or 9 lev for a guided tour

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, jewelry, art works and musical instruments. It is also a popular cultural and educational center. A craft shop sells crafts and other traditional Bulgarian items from all over Bulgaria.
Address: 1 Batenberg Square
Phone Number: (0)2 987 41 91
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm

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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