Yogurt is not the only thing! 4 recommended souvenirs from Sofia, the city with the scent of roses

Bulgaria, often strongly associated with yogurt, was once ruled by the Ottoman Empire, leaving behind traces of Islamic culture, such as mosques. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city that has also survived various historical challenges. The Saint Sofia Church, which the city's name originates from, was once used as a mosque, with its altar and murals covered up. In this article, I will introduce recommended souvenirs from Sofia, a city with a history of over 5,000 years.

1. Rose Products

You might associate Bulgaria with yogurt, but the country also offers famous souvenirs beyond that. Products made with roses, a flower beloved by women, are one of Bulgaria’s well-known specialties. The Rose Valley, located in Kazanlak in central Bulgaria, is one of the world’s famous rose production areas.

In Sofia, you’ll find many souvenirs made with roses, from rose water to rose-based skincare products. The hand cream, which smells wonderful, is also suitable for men, making it a gift that would be appreciated. Rose soap with floral motifs is another excellent souvenir. From rose jam to liqueurs, there are many Sofia-themed rose souvenirs that are perfect to bring back.

2. Troyan Pottery

Troyan pottery is a common sight in souvenir shops in Sofia. Made in Troyan village, about 160 km from Sofia, this traditional Bulgarian pottery is known for its wavy patterns and vibrant colors, created from the red clay found in the area.

Troyan pottery comes in various forms, from large plates to mugs, and is hand-painted by skilled artisans, each piece unique and charming. It’s easy to spend a long time picking out the perfect souvenir. With its bright colors, the pottery can also serve as decorative items, such as wall hangings. Make sure to pack it carefully to avoid any breakage when you take it home.

3. Alcohol

A beloved Bulgarian drink is "rakia," a distilled fruit brandy made from grapes, apricots, plums, and other fruits. With an alcohol content of 40-60%, it’s a strong drink typically consumed as an aperitif. It’s also used in folk medicine, with some people rubbing it on their chest to relieve symptoms of a cold.

Another recommended alcoholic souvenir is "mastika," a distilled liquor that is also strong and consumed as an aperitif. Mastika is colorless and transparent when poured into a glass, but it turns cloudy when ice is added and forms sparkling crystals when placed in the fridge.

If you're looking for rakia or mastika as a souvenir, they are easy to find in supermarkets around Sofia. They are unique to Bulgaria and not easily available.

4. Martenitsa

If you happen to visit Sofia in spring, a recommended souvenir is "Martenitsa." These are made from red and white strings and come in various forms, including bracelets, dolls, and even horseshoe shapes.

Martenitsa is traditionally given to family members, friends, and lovers on March 1st as a wish for health and happiness. The recipient wears it for a while and ties it to a tree when they see a stork. This is an ancient Bulgarian tradition. Wouldn’t you like to bring home this traditional Bulgarian gift? Martenitsa is most commonly sold in February and can be found all over Sofia. It’s a perfect way to bring home a piece of Bulgarian springtime.

◎ Summary

How was the souvenir information about Sofia? Bulgaria may not be a country widely known, but there are other great souvenirs to discover, such as Bulgarian Orthodox icons and woolen carpets called "kilim." You can also find Bulgarian chocolates and unique spices in supermarkets. Be sure to find some wonderful souvenirs during your trip!

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Yogurt is not the only thing! 4 recommended souvenirs from Sofia, the city with the scent of roses