Sofia Attractions - St Sofia Church

Saint Sofia is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in the Bulgarian capital. Dating from the 4th to 6th century, it is regarded as one of the most significant examples of early Christian architecture on the Balkans. In the 14th century this church gave its name to the current city of Sofia, but during the Turkish rule it was shortly converted into a mosque. It was abandoned after two successive earthquakes, destroyed one of the minarets almost 30 years later. St Sofia was again converted into an orthodox church, and the local legends credit its extreme miraculous powers for its protection over the centuries, surviving occupations and natural disasters to remain as an important spiritual symbol of the contemporary Bulgarian capital.

Sofia Attractions - St George Rotunda

It is considered that the rotunda church of St George is the oldest building in Sofia, dating to the 4th century. It is situated amid the remains of the ancient Roman town of Serdica. The rotunda becomes famous due to its exquisite architecture and layers of medieval frescoes that were discovered under a covering of plaster, and this magnificent dome is protected by UNESCO and functions as a museum at recent days.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia

The magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the finest examples of 20th century architecture in Sofia. It was built between 1882 and 1912 to honour the Russian soldiers, died, fighting to liberate Bulgaria from the Turkish rule in the war of 1878 under Tsar Alexander II, and currently become one of the most prominent symbols of the city. Alexander Nevsky is located on the tree-lined square with the same name, which also includes the Monument of the Unknown Soldier with its Eternal flame. This impressive five-nave basilica houses an interior just as splendid, with mosaics, stained glass windows. Marble and woodcarvings as well as frescoes cover the walls and domes, and the underground crypt houses the Icon Museum, presenting icon paintings from the different regions of Bulgaria, that illustrates the different masterpieces from the 9th to the 18th century.

Sofia Attractions - National Ethnographic Museum

The National Ethnographic Museum supports one of the richest collections on the Balkan Peninsula. It represents the traditions, arts, crafts and lifestyle of the Bulgarian people from the 17th up to the 20th century. There you will be able to review the real wealth of exhibitions from around the country, including national costumes, jewelry, art works and musical instruments. The museum is also a popular cultural and educational center. In its craft shop you could buy crafts and other traditional Bulgarian items from all over its territory.