Sofia,Bulgaria
Updated: Jan 6, 2020
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Being in the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, it is midway between the Black sea and the Adriatic sea.
1. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
One of the most impressive buildings in Sofia is The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Occupies an area of 3,170 square metres (34,100 sq ft) and can hold 10,000 people inside. It is the second biggest cathedral located on the Balkan Peninsula after the Cathedral of St. Sava in Belgrade. The gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built in the early 20th century in memory of the 200,000 Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian and Bulgarian soldiers, who died in the Russo-Turkish War, 1877–1878.The cathedral’s gold-plated dome is 45 m high, with the bell tower reaching 53 m
2.Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church
3.National Assembly of of the Republic of Bulgaria
Next to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria . The National Assembly's main building has been proclaimed a monument of culture for its historic significance. Situated in downtown Sofia. The National Assembly was established in 1879 with the Tarnovo Contitution.
4. Monument to the Tsar Liberator
The Monument to the Tsar Liberator is an equestrian monument in the centre of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It was erected in honour of Russian Emperor Alexander II who liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78
5. Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
The Russian Church , known as the Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is is a Russian Orthodox church in central Sofia . The church was built on the site of the Saray Mosque, which was destroyed in 1882, after the liberation of Bulgaria by Russia from the Ottoman Empire. It was built as the official church of the Russian Embassy, which was located next door, and of the Russian community in Sofia, and was named, as was the tradition for diplomatic churches, for the patron saint of the Emperor who ruled Russia at the time, Nicholas 2nd of Russia. Construction began in 1907 and the church was consecrated in 1914 .
6.President of the Republic of Bulgaria
The President of the Republic of Bulgaria is the head of state of Bulgaria and the commander-in -chief of the Military of Bulgaria.
7. Central Mineral Baths
The Central Mineral Baths is a landmark in the centre of Sofia, a city known for the Mineral springs in the area. It was built in the early 20th century near the former Turkish bath (then destroyed) and was used as the city's public baths until 1986. The building is home of Regional History Museum since September 2015
8. Church of St Petka of the Saddlers
The Church of St Petka of the Saddlers is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church . It is a small one-naved building partially dug into the ground located in the very centre of both the modern and the antique city, in the TZUM subway.
The church of St. Petka of the Saddlers was built under the Ottoman occupation with donations from the region’s master saddlers. At that time, the building of churches was tolerated if their height does not exceed that of a soldier on horseback. This explains why it was half burried under the ground level. St. Petka church features a semi-cylindrical vault, a hemispherical apse, superb traces of frescoes and a crypt discovered during excavations after the Second World War. The walls are 1 m thick and made from brick and stone.
9.Statue of Sveta Sofia
10. Banya Bashi Mosque
Construction was completed in 1566, during the years the Ottomans had control of the city. The mosque derives its name from the phrase Banya Bashi, which means many baths. The most outstanding feature of the mosque is that it was actually built over natural thermal spas; one can even see the steam rising from vents in the ground near the mosque walls. The mosque is famous for its large dome, diameter 15 m, and the minaret.
Currently, the Banya Bashi Mosque is the only functioning mosque in Sofia
11. St Nedelya Church
St. Nedelya Church is an Eastern Orthodox church in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, a cathedral of the Sofia bishopric of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. St. Nedelya is a medieval church that has suffered destruction through the ages and has been reconstructed many times. The present building of the temple is among the landmarks of Sofia.
12. National Theatre Ivan Vazov
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is Bulgaria's national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the important landmarks of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden.
13. Saint Sofia Church
The Saint Sofia Church is the second oldest church in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, dating to the 4th-6th century. In the predecessor building took place the Council of Serdica held most probably in 343 and attended by 316 bishops. In the 14th century, the church gave its name to the city, previously known as Sredets.
14. National Palace of Culture
The National Palace of Culture is the largest, multi functional conference and exhibition centre in south-eastern Europe. It was opened in 1981 in celebration of Bulgaria's 1300th anniversary. The garden is beautiful and you can relax there.
15. Vitosha street
Vitosha street , known as Vitoska is main central street,with many posh stores, restaurants and bars . Тhe pedestrian area is between The National Palace of Culture and St. Nedelya Church