Bulgaria — Attractions
Pirin National Park
Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise 8,202ft (2,500m) into the atmosphere with more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to near-extinct flowers like the edelweiss and Pirin poppy. Characteristic to the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, and the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular activities in Pirin, and together with the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountain settlements and stunning scenery, Pirin National Park is an attractive tourist destination.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
- Address
- Sandanski, Bulgaria
- Phone Number
- 7443 5616
- Email Address
- pirin_np@mail.bg
- Website
- www.pirin-np.com
St. Sofia Church
The St. Sofia Church 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 2 Paris Street
- Hours
- Open 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 back 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya
- Phone Number
- (0)2 981 6541
- Hours
- Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 1pm, and from 3pm to 5.30pm
- 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 religious 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 ranging from the 9th to the 18th century.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 1 St Alexander Nevsky Square
- Phone Number
- (0)2 981 5775
- Hours
- Open daily, from 7am to 5.30pm. The Museum is open from 10am to 6pm, and closed on Tuesdays
- Admission
- Free
National Ethnographic Museum
The National Ethnographic Museum in downtown Sofia has one of the richest collections of cultural artifacts 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, amounting to over 50,000 items 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 1 Battenberg Square
- Phone Number
- (0)2 987 4191
- Hours
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm
Vitosha Mountain
Rising above the capital city of 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 in the area, offering modern hotels and ski facilities within easy reach of the capital.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
Rila Monastery
The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains 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 an important 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, jewelry, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books. Photography is not allowed inside the Monastery.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
- Phone Number
- 7054 2208
- Transport
- There is regular bus transport to the monastery from the town of Rila
- Hours
- Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter opening hours. Services are from 7 or 8am, and 4 or 5pm, depending on the time of year
Momchilovtsi
In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular cultural and ethnographic center that has preserved its original folklore, traditions and crafts. The Center for Traditional Bulgarian Arts and Crafts provides a unique opportunity for visitors to attend courses to learn about and participate in traditional crafts like folk dancing, weaving, woodcarving, cooking, music and various artistic handicrafts. In winter it is a popular base from which to visit the famous ski resort of Pamporovo, which is only four miles (7km) away and the surrounding mountains and rivers offer superb hiking, caving, trout fishing and hunting.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
Petrified Forest
Just 13 miles (about 20km) west of Varna, Pobiti Kamani (the Petrified Forest) makes for an interesting and worthwhile day-trip. A natural rock phenomenon, the origin of the stone columns - which measure up to 23 feet (seven meters) in height, and 10 feet (three meters) in girth - remains a mystery, with geologists holding differing opinions about how they were formed. Regardless of their origin, however, Pobiti Kamani's columns are unique, and make for a fascinating, photo-filled excursion from Varna. Occupying an area of 27 square miles (70 square kilometers), the Petrified Forest is a wonderful place to spend the day, exploring the strange terrain, and enjoying a picnic in the sun. Go in April or early May, when the weather is idyllic.
- Region/City Name
- Black Sea Coast
- Address
- Varna Province, on the road between Varna and Sofia
Boyana Church
The Boyana Church complex - located on the outskirts of Sofia - is a UNESCO World Heritage Center, and one of Bulgaria's most important tourist attractions. The first of the three buildings that make up the Boyana Church complex was built in the 10th century, but it is the second building - built in the 13th century - that is the obvious tourist draw card. Containing frescoes painted in 1259 - 89 scenes in total, including 240 human images - the second Boyana Church building is nothing less than the site of the most important collection of medieval eastern European art in the world. The paintings, which conform to a Byzantine aesthetic, yet possess a unique spiritual vitality, are almost perfectly preserved - and offer visitors a rare insight into the long, proud history of Bulgarian art and culture.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- Boyana District, Sofia
Pirin National Park
Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise 8,202ft (2,500m) into the atmosphere with more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to near-extinct flowers like the edelweiss and Pirin poppy. Characteristic to the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, and the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular activities in Pirin, and together with the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountain settlements and stunning scenery, Pirin National Park is an attractive tourist destination.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
- Address
- Sandanski, Bulgaria
- Phone Number
- 7443 5616
- Email Address
- pirin_np@mail.bg
- Website
- www.pirin-np.com
St. Sofia Church
The St. Sofia Church 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 2 Paris Street
- Hours
- Open 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 back 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya
- Phone Number
- (0)2 981 6541
- Hours
- Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 1pm, and from 3pm to 5.30pm
- 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 religious 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 ranging from the 9th to the 18th century.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 1 St Alexander Nevsky Square
- Phone Number
- (0)2 981 5775
- Hours
- Open daily, from 7am to 5.30pm. The Museum is open from 10am to 6pm, and closed on Tuesdays
- Admission
- Free
National Ethnographic Museum
The National Ethnographic Museum in downtown Sofia has one of the richest collections of cultural artifacts 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, amounting to over 50,000 items 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 1 Battenberg Square
- Phone Number
- (0)2 987 4191
- Hours
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm
Vitosha Mountain
Rising above the capital city of 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 in the area, offering modern hotels and ski facilities within easy reach of the capital.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
Rila Monastery
The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains 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 an important 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, jewelry, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books. Photography is not allowed inside the Monastery.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
- Phone Number
- 7054 2208
- Transport
- There is regular bus transport to the monastery from the town of Rila
- Hours
- Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter opening hours. Services are from 7 or 8am, and 4 or 5pm, depending on the time of year
Momchilovtsi
In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular cultural and ethnographic center that has preserved its original folklore, traditions and crafts. The Center for Traditional Bulgarian Arts and Crafts provides a unique opportunity for visitors to attend courses to learn about and participate in traditional crafts like folk dancing, weaving, woodcarving, cooking, music and various artistic handicrafts. In winter it is a popular base from which to visit the famous ski resort of Pamporovo, which is only four miles (7km) away and the surrounding mountains and rivers offer superb hiking, caving, trout fishing and hunting.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
Petrified Forest
Just 13 miles (about 20km) west of Varna, Pobiti Kamani (the Petrified Forest) makes for an interesting and worthwhile day-trip. A natural rock phenomenon, the origin of the stone columns - which measure up to 23 feet (seven meters) in height, and 10 feet (three meters) in girth - remains a mystery, with geologists holding differing opinions about how they were formed. Regardless of their origin, however, Pobiti Kamani's columns are unique, and make for a fascinating, photo-filled excursion from Varna. Occupying an area of 27 square miles (70 square kilometers), the Petrified Forest is a wonderful place to spend the day, exploring the strange terrain, and enjoying a picnic in the sun. Go in April or early May, when the weather is idyllic.
- Region/City Name
- Black Sea Coast
- Address
- Varna Province, on the road between Varna and Sofia
Boyana Church
The Boyana Church complex - located on the outskirts of Sofia - is a UNESCO World Heritage Center, and one of Bulgaria's most important tourist attractions. The first of the three buildings that make up the Boyana Church complex was built in the 10th century, but it is the second building - built in the 13th century - that is the obvious tourist draw card. Containing frescoes painted in 1259 - 89 scenes in total, including 240 human images - the second Boyana Church building is nothing less than the site of the most important collection of medieval eastern European art in the world. The paintings, which conform to a Byzantine aesthetic, yet possess a unique spiritual vitality, are almost perfectly preserved - and offer visitors a rare insight into the long, proud history of Bulgarian art and culture.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- Boyana District, Sofia
Pirin National Park
Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise 8,202ft (2,500m) into the atmosphere with more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to near-extinct flowers like the edelweiss and Pirin poppy. Characteristic to the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, and the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular activities in Pirin, and together with the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountain settlements and stunning scenery, Pirin National Park is an attractive tourist destination.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
- Address
- Sandanski, Bulgaria
- Phone Number
- 7443 5616
- Email Address
- pirin_np@mail.bg
- Website
- www.pirin-np.com
St. Sofia Church
The St. Sofia Church 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 2 Paris Street
- Hours
- Open 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 back 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya
- Phone Number
- (0)2 981 6541
- Hours
- Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 1pm, and from 3pm to 5.30pm
- 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 religious 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 ranging from the 9th to the 18th century.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 1 St Alexander Nevsky Square
- Phone Number
- (0)2 981 5775
- Hours
- Open daily, from 7am to 5.30pm. The Museum is open from 10am to 6pm, and closed on Tuesdays
- Admission
- Free
National Ethnographic Museum
The National Ethnographic Museum in downtown Sofia has one of the richest collections of cultural artifacts 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, amounting to over 50,000 items 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 1 Battenberg Square
- Phone Number
- (0)2 987 4191
- Hours
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm
Vitosha Mountain
Rising above the capital city of 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 in the area, offering modern hotels and ski facilities within easy reach of the capital.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
Rila Monastery
The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains 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 an important 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, jewelry, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books. Photography is not allowed inside the Monastery.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
- Phone Number
- 7054 2208
- Transport
- There is regular bus transport to the monastery from the town of Rila
- Hours
- Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter opening hours. Services are from 7 or 8am, and 4 or 5pm, depending on the time of year
Momchilovtsi
In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular cultural and ethnographic center that has preserved its original folklore, traditions and crafts. The Center for Traditional Bulgarian Arts and Crafts provides a unique opportunity for visitors to attend courses to learn about and participate in traditional crafts like folk dancing, weaving, woodcarving, cooking, music and various artistic handicrafts. In winter it is a popular base from which to visit the famous ski resort of Pamporovo, which is only four miles (7km) away and the surrounding mountains and rivers offer superb hiking, caving, trout fishing and hunting.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
Petrified Forest
Just 13 miles (about 20km) west of Varna, Pobiti Kamani (the Petrified Forest) makes for an interesting and worthwhile day-trip. A natural rock phenomenon, the origin of the stone columns - which measure up to 23 feet (seven meters) in height, and 10 feet (three meters) in girth - remains a mystery, with geologists holding differing opinions about how they were formed. Regardless of their origin, however, Pobiti Kamani's columns are unique, and make for a fascinating, photo-filled excursion from Varna. Occupying an area of 27 square miles (70 square kilometers), the Petrified Forest is a wonderful place to spend the day, exploring the strange terrain, and enjoying a picnic in the sun. Go in April or early May, when the weather is idyllic.
- Region/City Name
- Black Sea Coast
- Address
- Varna Province, on the road between Varna and Sofia
Boyana Church
The Boyana Church complex - located on the outskirts of Sofia - is a UNESCO World Heritage Center, and one of Bulgaria's most important tourist attractions. The first of the three buildings that make up the Boyana Church complex was built in the 10th century, but it is the second building - built in the 13th century - that is the obvious tourist draw card. Containing frescoes painted in 1259 - 89 scenes in total, including 240 human images - the second Boyana Church building is nothing less than the site of the most important collection of medieval eastern European art in the world. The paintings, which conform to a Byzantine aesthetic, yet possess a unique spiritual vitality, are almost perfectly preserved - and offer visitors a rare insight into the long, proud history of Bulgarian art and culture.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- Boyana District, Sofia
Pirin National Park
Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise 8,202ft (2,500m) into the atmosphere with more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to near-extinct flowers like the edelweiss and Pirin poppy. Characteristic to the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, and the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular activities in Pirin, and together with the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountain settlements and stunning scenery, Pirin National Park is an attractive tourist destination.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
- Address
- Sandanski, Bulgaria
- Phone Number
- 7443 5616
- Email Address
- pirin_np@mail.bg
- Website
- www.pirin-np.com
St. Sofia Church
The St. Sofia Church 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 2 Paris Street
- Hours
- Open 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 back 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya
- Phone Number
- (0)2 981 6541
- Hours
- Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 1pm, and from 3pm to 5.30pm
- 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 religious 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 ranging from the 9th to the 18th century.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 1 St Alexander Nevsky Square
- Phone Number
- (0)2 981 5775
- Hours
- Open daily, from 7am to 5.30pm. The Museum is open from 10am to 6pm, and closed on Tuesdays
- Admission
- Free
National Ethnographic Museum
The National Ethnographic Museum in downtown Sofia has one of the richest collections of cultural artifacts 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, amounting to over 50,000 items 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.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- 1 Battenberg Square
- Phone Number
- (0)2 987 4191
- Hours
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm
Vitosha Mountain
Rising above the capital city of 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 in the area, offering modern hotels and ski facilities within easy reach of the capital.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
Rila Monastery
The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains 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 an important 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, jewelry, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books. Photography is not allowed inside the Monastery.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
- Phone Number
- 7054 2208
- Transport
- There is regular bus transport to the monastery from the town of Rila
- Hours
- Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter opening hours. Services are from 7 or 8am, and 4 or 5pm, depending on the time of year
Momchilovtsi
In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular cultural and ethnographic center that has preserved its original folklore, traditions and crafts. The Center for Traditional Bulgarian Arts and Crafts provides a unique opportunity for visitors to attend courses to learn about and participate in traditional crafts like folk dancing, weaving, woodcarving, cooking, music and various artistic handicrafts. In winter it is a popular base from which to visit the famous ski resort of Pamporovo, which is only four miles (7km) away and the surrounding mountains and rivers offer superb hiking, caving, trout fishing and hunting.
- Region/City Name
- Mountains
Petrified Forest
Just 13 miles (about 20km) west of Varna, Pobiti Kamani (the Petrified Forest) makes for an interesting and worthwhile day-trip. A natural rock phenomenon, the origin of the stone columns - which measure up to 23 feet (seven meters) in height, and 10 feet (three meters) in girth - remains a mystery, with geologists holding differing opinions about how they were formed. Regardless of their origin, however, Pobiti Kamani's columns are unique, and make for a fascinating, photo-filled excursion from Varna. Occupying an area of 27 square miles (70 square kilometers), the Petrified Forest is a wonderful place to spend the day, exploring the strange terrain, and enjoying a picnic in the sun. Go in April or early May, when the weather is idyllic.
- Region/City Name
- Black Sea Coast
- Address
- Varna Province, on the road between Varna and Sofia
Boyana Church
The Boyana Church complex - located on the outskirts of Sofia - is a UNESCO World Heritage Center, and one of Bulgaria's most important tourist attractions. The first of the three buildings that make up the Boyana Church complex was built in the 10th century, but it is the second building - built in the 13th century - that is the obvious tourist draw card. Containing frescoes painted in 1259 - 89 scenes in total, including 240 human images - the second Boyana Church building is nothing less than the site of the most important collection of medieval eastern European art in the world. The paintings, which conform to a Byzantine aesthetic, yet possess a unique spiritual vitality, are almost perfectly preserved - and offer visitors a rare insight into the long, proud history of Bulgarian art and culture.
- Region/City Name
- Sofia
- Address
- Boyana District, Sofia
Featured Tours to Bulgaria
Regal Central Europe
Unique cultural experiences abound on this journey to the heart of Europe. Attend private performances by esteemed musicians, experience the…
Mystery, Legend & Tradition
Visit a land whose legends and lore have captured the imagination of the world. Its gothic fortresses and haunting landscapes inspired Bram Stoker…
Bulgaria and the Black Sea
Bulgaria beckons you to come explore lands brimming with stunning scenery, rich cultural traditions, historical sites, treasure-filled museums,…
