Sofia has been the capital of Bulgaria since 1879. This old city has a fascinating history that dates back to the 4th century BC when it was called Serdika. Today, Sofia has many places to see, both historic and modern, for tourists and locals to enjoy. Here we provide you with the top 10 places to visit in Sofia.
10. Parliament (National Assembly)
flickr/Dimitar Denev
The Parliament is a small building situated right on the so called “yellow pavement” which marks the administrative centre of Sofia and Bulgaria (In fact, a walk through the yellow pavement will take you to most of the sights of the city). Constructed in 1886, The Parliament building was designed in Neo-Renaissance style. Right above the main entrance is the motto of Bulgaria: “Unity makes Strength” and across the building is the monument of the Tsar Liberator Alexander II.
9. Vrana Palace
flickr/a_ivanov2001
Starting in 1898 the Palace served as residence for the Bulgarian tsars, but this only lasted for 48 years because in 1946 Bulgaria was proclaimed a republic. The young monarch Simeon II had to leave it when he was 9-years old but returned 55 years later to the nearby Council of Ministers’ Building as Prime Minister of Bulgaria.
8. National Palace of Culture
The National Palace of Culture is a huge building complex in the centre of the city left by the Communist regime. Its construction finished in 1981 marking the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state. Today the National Palace of culture has 13 halls that are used to host different events such as shows, concerts, exhibitions and conferences.
7. The Bells (Kambanite)
flickr/The New Motive Power
The Bells is a monumental park situated 14 km east of Sofia city center at the foot of Vitosha mountain. The complex was opened in 1979 and consists of many different bells, each named after a country. The complex was restored in 2010 and is now a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
6. Central Mineral Baths
flickr/Jordan and Marisa Magnuson
One of the reasons Sofia was inhabited long ago was because of the mineral springs in the region which are believed to have healing and therapeutic effects. The Central Mineral Baths were built at the beginning of the 20th century and nowadays it is one of the most popular and notable buildings in the city centre. The Baths are now a museum housing quite interesting exhibitions, while the outer space is still a favourite place for the locals to come and fill a bottle with healing water.
5. The Russian Church (Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker)
flickr/Dennis Jarvis
At number five in the top 10 places to visit in Sofia is the Russian Church, which is officially known as the Church of Saint Nicholas the miracle-Maker. The construction of the church started in 1907 after the liberation of Bulgaria and lasted for 7 years. With its remarkable golden domes, the decoration of the church was inspired by the Russian churches from the 17th century, and it still remains one of the most impressive buildings in the city.
4. Vitosha Mountain
Web/Wikipedia
There are few capital cities in the world that can offer such proximity and easy access to a beautiful mountain, and Sofia is one of them. Vitosha Mountain, with its highest point Black Peak, is one of the favorite places for walks and winter sports for locals. The Golden Bridges, which is a river of stones, is a place worth visiting on this beautiful mountain.
3. St George Rotunda
flickr/Dennis Jarvis
The Church of St George is a Christian red brick rotunda in a unique position, right in the courtyard of the Presidential building. The church, which is considered to be one of the oldest buildings in Sofia, was built in the 4th century by the Romans and the inner part of the dome is covered with beautiful frescoes that are over 900 years old.
2. Boyana Church
Web/Wikipedia
Boyana Church is a medieval orthodox church situated on the outskirts of Sofia at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. The church, which has just been recently renovated, dates back to the 10th century and offers magnificent frescoes that are over 800 years old. In 1979, Boyana church was added to the UNESCO world heritage list.
1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
flickr/Iñaki Rodríguez
Our number one for the top 10 places to see in Sofia is St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This large Orthodox building is located close to the Bulgarian Parliament and is one of the symbols of Sofia. Built between 1882 and 1912, the cathedral is the second largest on the Balkan Peninsula. Its large golden dome, which is 45 meters tall, is one of the most recognisable features of this impressive cathedral. There is also a museum inside which contains one of the largest collections of religious icons in Europe.
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