Sofia, Bulgaria — Attractions
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
- 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
- Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 1pm and 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
- Daily 7am to 5.30pm. Museum opens 10am to 6pm; closed 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 Batenberg Square
- Phone Number
- (0)2 987 4191
- Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday 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
