Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria with 2000 years of history. 16 popular tourist spots

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is the largest city in the country. Located in western Bulgaria, it sits in the Sofia Valley at the foot of Mount Vitosha. Sofia has historically been a major crossroads, connecting Western Europe with the Middle East and the Adriatic Sea with the Mediterranean. Over the centuries, it has served as a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, fostering a unique and vibrant culture.

As a city with over 2,000 years of history, Sofia boasts a rich past. In the 1st century AD, it was established as the Roman city of Serdica. Today, Sofia is home to numerous churches, fascinating historical landmarks, and remarkable museums, making it a delightful city to explore on foot. Here's a guide to the top attractions in Sofia.

1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the first tourist spot you should visit in Sofia. This cathedral is the home of the Bulgarian Patriarchate and a holy place visited by many tourists. Construction of the cathedral began in 1882, and the cathedral, built in the Neo-Byzantine architectural style, can be seen from far away.

This cathedral was built in commemoration of Russian Emperor Alexander II. The cathedral can accommodate 5,000 people. On the walls, you must see the marble iconostasis, the king's throne, the patriarch's throne, and the mosaic murals depicting King Ferdinand and Queen Eleonora. If you come to Sofia, be sure to visit it.

2. Petka Church

Petka Church is a Bulgarian Orthodox church built in medieval Bulgaria and is one of the tourist attractions in Sofia. It is located east of the underground passage from Serdika Station on the subway.

It is a small church with a single nave, half of which is buried underground. Built during the Ottoman Turkish period in the 14th century, it features a narrow entrance and is hidden underground.

You can see 16th-century murals that remain here and there inside. Although it is a small church, it is visited by many tourists. If you come to Sofia, it is definitely worth a visit.

3. Boyana Church

Boyana Church is a Bulgarian Orthodox church located in the Boyana district on the outskirts of Sofia. It is a harmonious church consisting of three churches from different eras and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The eastern wing was built in the late 10th to 11th centuries, the central wing in the 13th century during the Second Bulgarian Empire, and the western wing in the mid-19th century.

The frescoes that made this church famous were painted when the central wing was expanded. They are well preserved and are valuable for conveying medieval Eastern European art to future generations. Tourists can also see famous murals such as "The Last Supper," "The Transfiguration of Christ," and "Christ on the Throne with the Virgin Mary." If you come to Sofia, don't forget to visit it.

4. St. Nicholas Russian Church

The Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker is a Russian Orthodox church located on Tsar Osvoboditel Street in the center of Sofia. The church was built in 1882 next to the embassy as a church for Russians living in Bulgaria.

It features colorful exterior tiles and five golden domes and houses a bell donated by Nicholas II. The crypt enshrines Saint Archbishop Seraphim, who died in Sofia in 1950 and was later canonized by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and is visited by many locals and tourists.

5. Serdica

The Serdika ruins are a large archaeological site in the center of Sofia, a short walk from the Serdika metro station. The ruins are preserved underground in the square in front of the Presidential Palace and the former Communist Party headquarters and are one of Sofia's tourist attractions.

Sofia was called Serdika during the Roman era, and many Roman emperors lived in Serdika. In particular, Emperor Constantine the Great is said to have said, "Serdika is my Rome."

The ruins have two streets running north-south and east-west, and public baths, houses, churches, and an amphitheater remain. Part of the city wall also remains at the city gate. Please visit for sightseeing.

6. National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is located just behind the Presidential Palace in Sofia and occupies a former Islamic mosque. This mosque was built in the 15th century and is the oldest heritage of the Ottoman Turkish period. This archaeological museum has a lot to see and is a must-see tourist spot in Sofia.

It is lined with valuable items such as a replica of the World Heritage Madara Knights, a treasure house with a Thracian gold mask, and Roman excavations. It is also a popular spot for tourists with a wide range of exhibits, including medieval Bulgarian art and icons, and a collection of Bulgarian church culture. It is a must-see spot for learning about the history of Bulgaria, including Sofia.

7. Earth and Man National Museum

The Earth and Man National Museum opened in 1987 and exhibits minerals collected from 109 countries around the world. It is a rare museum that has no parallels in the world, preserving 1,523 of the more than 4,200 types of minerals known worldwide.

Giant minerals as tall as a human being, are rarely seen in nature, and rare and precious minerals are displayed by region, making it a recommended tourist spot for those who like geology.

In the gem exhibition room, raw gemstones and processed gemstones are displayed. It is a valuable tourist spot where you can see gemstones from all over the world. The museum shop also sells minerals, which is recommended for tourists. If you visit Sofia, be sure to check it out.

8. Saint Sophia Church

St. Sofia Church is located right next to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is one of the oldest churches in Bulgaria and a symbol of Sofia. It was built in the 5th century, and it is said that the current capital city of Sofia was named after this church. It is a Byzantine and Romanesque building, but it has been damaged by earthquakes and wars, and the current building is a restored one.

Recently, extensive ruins were discovered underground, and it has been opened as a museum and is a popular spot for tourists. The tombs and mosaic tiles are must-sees. Be sure to visit.

9. St. George's Church

Located behind the Sheraton Hotel, this is the oldest Bulgarian Orthodox church in Sofia. It is said to have been built in the 4th century when the ancient city of Serdika (present-day Sofia) flourished.

The church has an unusual shape called a ronda, with a conical building built on a square foundation. Inside the chapel, religious paintings from the 10th to 14th centuries are painted on the walls and ceiling, making it a tourist spot where you can feel the history. Adjacent to it are the remains of a Roman bathhouse. Currently, daily services are held in Slavic, and Orthodox choral music known as Byzantine music is sung.

10. Icon Museum

Sofia's Icon Museum is located in the basement of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and is a recommended tourist spot for those who like medieval art. The large exhibition room in the basement of the church, which uses a crypt, displays icons collected from Sofia and other parts of Bulgaria. Beautiful icons collected from the famous Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, and other monasteries are on display. If you take your time to look around, you may need a few hours.

The entrance is the building with the golden roof on the left in front of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The temple is free to visit, but the Icon Museum requires an admission fee. The temple is a famous tourist spot in Sofia, but the Icon Museum is also a must-see.

11. Sofia University

Sofia University is the first higher education institution established in Bulgaria and is located on Kliment Ohridski Street. The university building, built in the 19th century, is beautiful and dignified and is a popular tourist spot. It is located near the Parliament Building and the Memorial to the Liberators, so please visit them as well.

The campus is home to the Museum of Paleontology and Geology, the Museum of Minerals, Petrology and Mineral Resources, and more. It is located right next to the Sveti Kliment Ohridski subway station, and the area is bustling with Sofia University students meeting up.

Concerts and other events are sometimes held there, so if you have the opportunity, please visit the Sofia University campus.

12. Sofia Synagogue

The Sofia Synagogue is the largest Jewish temple in the Balkans, located behind the Central Market. Built-in 1909 in a former Jewish quarter, it is one of Sofia's tourist attractions. It has large and small domes, and a huge chandelier weighing 1.7 kg hangs from the vaulted ceiling. The beautiful interior is popular with tourists.

There is also a historical museum within the building, which introduces Jewish life, culture, and traditions. There is also an exhibit on the Holocaust, making it a valuable museum for learning about the history of the Jewish people. If you come to Sofia, be sure to visit it as a tourist spot.

13. National Museum of Art and National Ethnographic Museum

The National Art Gallery and National Ethnographic Museum are located in the center of Sofia, close to the former Communist Party headquarters. The yellow Baroque building was used as the city hall during the Ottoman Turkish era and as the royal palace during the Bulgarian era. It is now an art gallery and museum, mainly displaying works, paintings, and sculptures by Bulgarian artists. It is a must-see tourist spot for learning about art in Sofia and Bulgaria.

The Ethnographic Museum also displays folk costumes and traditional crafts from all over Bulgaria, allowing you to learn about traditional culture. Be sure to visit as a tourist.

14. Sofia History Museum

The Sofia History Museum is the largest museum in the Balkans and is located in the former Secretary General's residence "Bojana" on the outskirts of Sofia. It is an interesting tourist spot with over 680,000 exhibits that tell the history of Sofia from prehistory to the present day.

Decorative items and tools from prehistoric times, ancient Thrace, and the medieval Bulgarian Kingdom to the present day are on display. In addition, the world-famous Panagyurishte Treasure, Rogozen Treasure, and Tetnitsa Treasure are also on display. There is also a museum shop, which is perfect for souvenirs from Sofia. Be sure to visit when you're sightseeing.

15. Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Ivan Vazov National Theatre was built in 1906 by a Viennese architect. It is one of Sofia's important historical buildings and a tourist attraction. The building was damaged by fire and other damage but was restored to its original appearance in 1976.

It is named after the Bulgarian national writer "Ivan Vazov" and is loved by the citizens of Sofia. Apollo and the Muses of the Arts are painted on the facade, and in front of the main entrance, there is a park, a square, and a fountain.

16. Boris Park and Eagle Bridge

Borisova Gradina (Boris Park) was built in 1882-1884 and is one of the oldest parks in Bulgaria. It is a place of relaxation for the people of Sofia and a popular spot for tourists. Boris Park has been called various names such as "Park of Prince Boris" and "Freedom Park". Currently, the park contains the Vasil Levski National Stadium and Lake Ariana, where you can enjoy boating in the summer and skating in the winter.

In addition, the Eagle Bridge over the nearby Perlovska River is also a tourist attraction in Sofia. The bridge is dedicated to prisoners and martyrs who were liberated from Turkish dungeons after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.

◎ Summary

We have introduced you to the tourist attractions in Sofia. The best season to visit Sofia is from spring to autumn, and winter is the season for skiing and snowboarding. Use Sofia as your base of operations and enjoy outdoor sports.

There are many other tourist attractions in Sofia besides those introduced here. In addition to the historical buildings and museums, the city is blessed with abundant nature in the suburbs, making it a very enjoyable tourist destination. Be sure to take your time sightseeing while experiencing the history of the Balkan Peninsula.

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Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria with 2000 years of history. 16 popular tourist spots