This year's vacations must include Sofia city breaks. Lovers of Russian culture will find a whole new world of both the old and the new in this modern city of over a million people. Sofia is the 12th largest city in the European Union, offering a lively nightlife and an enriching, historical experience. There are buildings and ruins dating back thousands of years. Put Sofia on your list of places you must visit.
Bask in the holiness of ancient churches
A fine example of Balkan architecture is The Aleksander Nevski memorial church. Built over 42 years beginning in 1882, the church is Sophia's premiere destination. Note the domes and half domes and the remarkable gold leaf, generously given to the congregation by the Soviet Union. The pews seat 5, 000 worshipers. The Boyana Church is surrounded by a quaint garden and inside is a magnificent collection of medieval frescoes. Dating back 600 years, they are so fragile that visitors are only allowed inside for 10 minutes at a time.
Revel in rebirth of Muslim heritage
Close to Sofia's famous mineral springs and baths lies the Banya Bashi mosque. It dates back to 1576. Shortly after it was built, Muslims in Bulgaria were expelled by communists and the mosque fell into disrepair. After being abandoned for hundreds of years, the European Union stepped in with an injection of cash and Muslim worshipers have returned. Another mosque, Buyuk Djami, is now a museum to display artifacts from the extinct Thracian culture. It also boasts Roman and Greek artifacts found through out the country.
Fascinating natural history museums
You'll find both live and preserved wildlife at The Natural Science Museum, located on Boulevard Tsar Osvoboditel. It was built in 1889 to house a collection of native species of plants and animals. Next door is a beautiful Russian church, built in 1913. It is adorned with unusual yellow tiles, glittering domes and a unique, emerald green spire. It was built by a Tsarist diplomat for his exclusive use, believing that worshiping in a local church would bring harm to his soul.
High on Sofia's mountain
Sofia is in close proximity to Mount Vitosha, approximately 7 km from Sofia's city centre. Hang out with local villagers and enjoy long walks and hearty picnics. In the winter, ski with lifts operating in December through to mid-March from Dragalevtsi and Simeonovo.
Bask in the holiness of ancient churches
A fine example of Balkan architecture is The Aleksander Nevski memorial church. Built over 42 years beginning in 1882, the church is Sophia's premiere destination. Note the domes and half domes and the remarkable gold leaf, generously given to the congregation by the Soviet Union. The pews seat 5, 000 worshipers. The Boyana Church is surrounded by a quaint garden and inside is a magnificent collection of medieval frescoes. Dating back 600 years, they are so fragile that visitors are only allowed inside for 10 minutes at a time.
Revel in rebirth of Muslim heritage
Close to Sofia's famous mineral springs and baths lies the Banya Bashi mosque. It dates back to 1576. Shortly after it was built, Muslims in Bulgaria were expelled by communists and the mosque fell into disrepair. After being abandoned for hundreds of years, the European Union stepped in with an injection of cash and Muslim worshipers have returned. Another mosque, Buyuk Djami, is now a museum to display artifacts from the extinct Thracian culture. It also boasts Roman and Greek artifacts found through out the country.
Fascinating natural history museums
You'll find both live and preserved wildlife at The Natural Science Museum, located on Boulevard Tsar Osvoboditel. It was built in 1889 to house a collection of native species of plants and animals. Next door is a beautiful Russian church, built in 1913. It is adorned with unusual yellow tiles, glittering domes and a unique, emerald green spire. It was built by a Tsarist diplomat for his exclusive use, believing that worshiping in a local church would bring harm to his soul.
High on Sofia's mountain
Sofia is in close proximity to Mount Vitosha, approximately 7 km from Sofia's city centre. Hang out with local villagers and enjoy long walks and hearty picnics. In the winter, ski with lifts operating in December through to mid-March from Dragalevtsi and Simeonovo.
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