Attractions in Sofia

Sofia, one of the oldest cities in Europe, has many wonderful examples of ecclesiastical and historical architecture. Most city tours start from the walls Alexander Nevsky Cathedral(Alexandronevskaya Lavra, 1882 - 1912), built in honor of 200 thousand Russian soldiers who fell in the struggle for the liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish rule. This is the largest cathedral in Bulgaria (area - 2600 sq. m., height - 52 m., 12 gilded bells are installed on the bell tower of the cathedral, the largest of which weighs 11,758 kg.) And the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. In the crypt of the cathedral is Museum of Icons, and the interior of the cathedral amazes with the richness of architectural forms, majestic paintings, icons and mosaics. Behind the cathedral is a building Foreign Art Galleries with an extensive collection of European, African and Oriental art.

Across the square from the cathedral is Church of St. Sophia(VI century), which gave the name to the whole city. During the Turkish rule, minarets were added to the temple and for a long time it functioned as a mosque, until two earthquakes of the 20th century destroyed the minarets, after which the mosque was closed. At the walls of the church is Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

One of the most interesting sights of the capital is built of red brick on the site of the Roman rotunda. Church of St. George- the oldest temple of Sofia. On the inside of the dome, frescoes have been preserved, the earliest of which date back to the 10th century, and on the outside, the remains of the streets of ancient Serdika (the Roman name of the city) have been preserved. Under the hotel "Rila" were found the ruins of a Roman residence with an excellently preserved mosaic.

On People's Assembly Square a majestic building National Assembly(1884) with an equestrian statue of the Russian Emperor Alexander II installed in front of it. By Boulevard Tsar Liberator you can pass by the Russian Church of St. Nicholas(1913) and Museum of Natural Sciences, To Batenberg Square, considered the center of Sofia. The building of the former Mausoleum of George Dimitrov, opposite which are located National Gallery of Art And National Ethnographic Museum in the building of the former Royal Palace(1887).

In the park east of the mausoleum is People's Theater Ivan Vazov(1907) in the Baroque style. On the western side of the square, behind the building of the Bulgarian National Bank, lies Mosque Buyuk-Jami(1496). In the Largo street area are located National Archaeological Museum, Church of St. Peter of Samothrace(XIV century), Bani Bashi Mosque(1576), Sophian synagogue(1909), underground mall and market (1911).

The most beautiful boulevard in the city - Vitosha boulevard coming from Cathedral of the Holy Week, past numerous underground shopping galleries, to square of the Palace of Culture With monument to the 1300th anniversary of Bulgaria. In the nearby building of the Palace of Justice (1936) is located National History Museum- one of the largest historical museums in the Balkans, famous for its collection of gold finds of the 4th century. BC e. from the excavations near Panagyurishte. The museum also holds the only copy of the Bulgarian medieval chronicle - "History" by John Skylitsa - the most important source of the history of the first Bulgarian Kingdom.

On the street Graf Ignatiev lies rebuilt from the "Black Mosque" Church of St. Sedmochisnitsa(1528). interesting Botanical Museum V National Botanical Garden, Zoo museum V zoo, National Museum of Natural History, Sofia History Museum, city ​​art gallery V Central park, building Sofia University. Clement of Ohrid And Sofia mineral baths built on the site of Roman baths.

Boyana

Boyana- an outlying quarter in the south-west of the city, adjacent to the foot of Vitosha Mountain (2290 m). In its upper part there is a small Boyana Church with magnificent wall paintings of the XIII century. Mount Vitosha itself is a traditional place for winter recreation, there are many mountain hotels, ski lifts, viewing platforms and a well-developed recreation infrastructure.

Around Sofia

119 km south of the capital lies the famous Rila Monastery(X century) - one of the spiritual centers of the country. On its territory there are such unique structures as five-story tower(1335) with Church of the Transfiguration, church gates(XIV century, now stored in the historical museum of the monastery), with 16,000 volumes monastery library, Hrel's tower, five-dome Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, the original "magernitsa" - monastery refectory and etc.

Not far from Sofia, in the city Pernik, there are the ruins of a Byzantine fortress, and (17 km west of the capital) - the best of the Bulgarian thermal resorts with odes to the "universal" composition.

In the valley of the Struma River (76 km southeast of Sofia) is located Zemensky Monastery(XIII century) with a unique Church of St. John the Evangelist famous for its beautiful paintings.

TOURIST ANSWERS:

Sofia is certainly a beautiful city. The capital of Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in Europe is full of historical sights. And here are some:

Bath-bashi-mosque

It is assumed that this mosque was built in the middle of the 16th century. At the same time, this is the only functioning Muslim temple in Sofia. The quadrangular red brick building with a large dome and a tall minaret is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture of that period. The walls of the prayer hall, arches and columns are made of stone, the main dome is covered with tin plates. The mosque acquired many changes in the 20s of the XX century, moreover, the reconstruction was sponsored by the Turkish ambassador in Sofia. The mosque can accommodate about 1200 people at a time. The mosque is located in the city center, the nearest metro station is Serdika.

Buyuk Mosque (Archaeological Museum)

The nine-domed temple, built at the end of the 15th century on the ruins of an old Christian monastery, was a haven for a wide variety of objects. There was also a hospital, a library, and a printing house. A beautiful building, covered with ivy, today is the oldest Archaeological Museum in the country. It was founded in 1879. The museum's collections are impressive - more than 55,000 exhibits - this is no joke. And here you can look at the largest collection of coins (only in Bulgaria, not all over the world). On the first floor of the museum there is a collection of items from the Roman, Thracian, Greek and Byzantine periods. For example, here you can see early Christian mosaics from Hagia Sophia, pieces of Roman and Greek sarcophagi, tombstones of the 3rd-4th centuries. Yesho there is something “Vulchitrun Treasure” here - 13 golden Thracian vessels of 12.5 kilograms each. Most likely, they were used for rituals. Very interesting things, they were even placed in a separate room. There is a bronze statue of Apollo covered with gilding on the ground floor. True, without part of the legs and arms. But it's still impressive. Another interesting statue is a copy of the statue of the Madara horseman (the original statue was carved into the rock near the village of Madara, it was not possible to bring it :) On the second floor there are Neolithic gizmos: clay dishes, weapons, dishes and more. There is also a hall with icons and parts of ancient frescoes.

Address: st. Sborna 2

Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky (Alexandronevskaya Lavra)

The temple was built in 1882 - 1912 according to the designs of Russian architects in honor of a hundred thousand Russian soldiers who died in the 1878 war, helping Bulgaria throw off the shackles of Turkish domination. The cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and the largest cathedral in Bulgaria, its area is 2600 sq. m., height - 52 m. The bell tower of the cathedral is crowned with 12 gilded bells, the largest of which weighs 11,758 kg. It is a five-aisled temple, richly decorated with mosaics, stained-glass windows and frescoes. The central altar is dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky, the southern altar is dedicated to Saint Boris, who brought Christianity to Bulgaria, and the northern altar is dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius, those who created the "Cyrillic alphabet". Under the cathedral there is a dungeon where the Museum of Icons is located, where you can admire a collection of 300 icons and frescoes from all over the country.

Address: sq. Alexander Nevsky (Metro St. Kliment Ohridski)

Entrance: about 7 dollars (10 levs)

Schedule: Cathedral - daily 07:00 - 18:00. Museum - 10:30 - 18:30, except Tuesday.

Church of Hagia Sophia (Sveta Sofia)

This is an Orthodox church opposite the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It was erected in the 6th century on the ruins of older churches. The building is in the shape of a cross, with a large dome. Early Christian floor mosaics are impressive. In the 16th century, the temple became a mosque, 2 minarets were added to the building. In the first quarter of the last century, an earthquake occurred that destroyed the minarets. And some time later, Hagia Sophia again became an Orthodox church.

Address: sq. Alexander Nevsky

Church of St. George (Sveti Georgi)

The church was built around the end of III - beginning of IV centuries. It is believed that this is the oldest church in Sofia. From the 16th century until 1878 the church was a mosque. The interior decoration is very beautiful. The main value is the frescoes of the 6th - 12th centuries. The temple is still active today.

Address: Knyaz Dondukov boulevard, 2 (Serdika metro station)

National History Museum

The collection of this museum is more than 650,000 exhibits, and they are designed to acquaint their guests with the history of Bulgaria from ancient times to the present day. The museum has three sections dedicated to archeology, history and ethnography. I think it's not worth listing what you can see here. The museum was founded in 73 of the last century.

Address: st. Vitoshko lale, 16

Lviv bridge

Look for this bridge in the north of the city center. If you follow to the central railway station. It runs across the Vladaiskaya River. The bridge was built at the end of the 19th century instead of the old bridge. It is not difficult to guess that the bridge is called so, because it is guarded by four sculptures of lions made of bronze. This whole structure was quite expensive, but now it is one of the symbols of Sofia. By the way, one of these lions was depicted on the banknote of 20 leva from 1999 to 2007. Well, I think you definitely won't miss this bridge when exploring the historic center of the city.

Tomb of Prince Alexander I of Batenberg

Alexander I of Batenberg is the first ruler of Bulgaria after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. His tomb is located in the center of the city. Prior to this, the remains of the ruler were in the Cathedral of St. George (until 87 of the last century). The tomb is an interesting building 11 meters high in the ancient Greek style. Sarcophane of Alexander is made of marble.

Doctor's garden

A small park in the center of Sofia is named so because there is a monument dedicated to the medical workers who died saving people during the Russian-Turkish war. This monument of granite and sandstone in the center of the park was erected here in 1884. The monument looks like a kind of pyramid, on which the names of 531 participating doctors are written. The base of the pyramid is decorated with bronze wreaths. Representatives of the Bulgarian Red Cross commemorate their colleagues on March 3 every year in this park. There is also a lapidarium in the park - an exposition of ancient samples of writing on stone slabs. It is small but very intriguing. Also in the park are parts of ancient buildings from the Balkans. For example, the decorations of the Temple of Zeus of the 2nd century - they were found under Garibaldi Square in the center of Sofia.

Helpful answer?

Sofia is one of the oldest European cities, where magnificent examples of church and historical architecture have been preserved to this day. Despite the fact that Sofia became the capital not so long ago - no more than a century and a half ago - it remains a curious center of culture for tourists, a place of mixing the cultures of the East and Europe, as well as a city filled with energy, contrasts and beauty.

Sofia is known to us as the capital of the state, but, in addition, this city includes twenty-four districts, large districts of the city. Sofia is full of life, the atmosphere of the city is full of ideas - both old and new, and all this happens against the backdrop of a picture of the unique richness of history. Locals, fortunately for tourists, are able to preserve the memory of past times.

Panorama of Sofia:

What can you see in Sofia? Most of the tourist routes start from the construction Temple-monument of St. Alexander Nevsky. On People's Assembly Square tourists will be curious to look at the structure National Assembly located there figure of Emperor Alexander II. While walking along Boulevard of the Tsar Liberator you can bypass Russian Church of St. Nicholas And Museum of Natural Sciences and be at Batenberg Square which is known as the center of the city.

Building Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky located on an area of ​​3170 square meters, it is designed for five thousand parishioners. The facade of the building is completely clad in white stone, and the doors at the entrance are made of Slavonian oak. Cathedral domes are covered with gilding. The bell tower is fifty-three meters high. There are twelve bells on it, the heaviest has a weight of twelve tons, and the lightest - only ten kilograms. The ringing of bells is carried over a distance of fifteen kilometers. The temple has a unique interior, it makes a powerful impression with its wonderful marble decorations, as well as murals and icons - there are eighty-two of them. They were painted by Czech, Bulgarian and Russian artists. Tourists are most impressed by the marble iconostasis, thrones - royal and patriarchal, as well as the pulpit. There is also a mosaic panel on which you can see the image of Tsar Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor.

Since 1946, two holidays have been celebrated in the Cathedral: on the twelfth of September - the transfer of the relics of St. Alexander Nevsky from Vladimir to St. Petersburg, and on the twenty-third of November - the day of the Assumption of St. Alexander Nevsky.

In the temple dungeon there is a crypt, which is a collection of icons, among which there are many masterpieces of icon painting. Since the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky is a monument, it does not have a specific parish. In this Cathedral, daily, Sunday and festive public services are held, but baptisms, weddings and funerals are not held. The only exceptions to this rule were the wedding of Tsar Boris III, who was on the throne in 1918-1943. - it was in 1930, he married Princess Giovanna of Savoy, then holding his funeral service - in 1943, and also the funeral service of Patriarch Kirill - in 1971 - and the famous opera singer Boris Khristov - in 1993 - year .

The Church of St. Alexander Nevsky is the second largest Orthodox cathedral in the Balkans.

Church of St. Alexander Nevsky:

The best shops in the city are located along Vitosha Boulevard, and besides this, they are located in the gallery located near the National Palace of Culture. Tourists will certainly be interested in the only functioning mosque in Sofia, which was built at the end of the sixteenth century by the Turkish architect Koca Mimar Sinan. Another building - an architectural monument, which belongs to his merits - is the Selim II Mosque, which is located in Edirne. The building erected in Sofia bears the name Banya Bashi Mosques. In the back of the building there is a small, not so long ago found fragment of an old bathhouse, which previously adjoined the mosque, as well as a fountain with drinking hot water. You can visit inside the building only when the parishioners do not pray.

Banya Bashi Mosque:

Another memorable place in the city that has the word "Banya" in its name is Mineral (or Turkish) Bath, which was built at the beginning of the last century. This building is truly a pearl of architectural art and a historical landmark of Sofia. The beautiful facade of the building and the decoration with ceramics contain a message to the ornaments inherent in the churches of the city of Nessebar from the Middle Ages. In the nineties, in a difficult time for the Eastern European states, this building, sadly, was forgotten by the authorities, and for almost twenty years, reconstruction work has been going on here. In the future, the city authorities intend to open a museum in this place.

In the central part of a small Banski Square, which is located between the Banya Bashi Mosque and the Mineral Bath, there is a new fountain. And behind the Mineral Bath, a wonderful complex was erected with fountains from which drinking water flows.

Other interesting places in Sofia are Buyuk Mosque - Jami, Church of St. Peter of Samothrace, National Archaeological Museum, and Church of the Holy Sedma.

Curious for tourists will also be Museum of the History of Sofia, buildings of the Sofia University named after Kliment Orkhidsky, City Picture Gallery, which is located in Central Park, as well as Sofia Mineral Baths, which were erected on the site where the Roman baths used to be.

IN National History Museum you can fully learn about the traditions of the Bulgarian people, here is a wonderful set of exhibits. This cultural institution was founded not so long ago - in 1981 - then the 1300th anniversary of the statehood of Bulgaria was celebrated on a grand scale. The Thracian gold covered with legends was exhibited in such a way that tourists could look at each exhibit separately. Other items of the exhibition, ceramics, bas-reliefs and silver, allow you to get acquainted with local achievements during the Middle Ages. For example, there are a large number of artifacts belonging to the period of the Bulgarian Revival - here, among other things, there are folklore costumes, jewelry and items used in everyday life.

This city deserves the title of cultural, economic and historical capital of Bulgaria, which, however, it officially is. Sofia occupies a central position in the Balkans and is an important point on the trade routes of the Middle East and Europe. The city has a developed industrial infrastructure and a rich historical heritage.

During the centuries of history, the capital of Bulgaria flourished, then was destroyed, then rebuilt again and collapsed again. In honor of these events, the emblem of the city has the inscription "Growing, but not getting old." Sofia is considered the second oldest capital of Europe, located in Kazakhstan.

Money and prices in Sofia

The national currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev "BGN". In shops and restaurants, it is preferable to accept the national currency, not everywhere they accept plastic cards, so discuss this issue in advance. The most preferred currency for exchange is the euro and the dollar. It is better to make an exchange in the official branches of banks, so as not to fall into the clutches of scammers.

On average, for a 7-day stay in Sofia in a 3-star hotel, count on the amount of 700 euros. Additionally, 40 euros per day per person for excursions, entertainment and souvenirs. Most shops are located on Vitosha Street, and low prices will pleasantly surprise shoppers.

Delicious Sofia: what to try from food

Having been in Bulgaria, of course, you need to try the national cuisine, which you can find in the establishments of "mehana". Such restaurants are decorated in the national style, where you can fully enjoy the national flavor.

A popular first hot dish is "bob chorba", which is made from vegetables and a special variety of beans. Chorba is served with bread and a set of unusual spices "sharena sol" and a mixture of "chushka" peppers. On a par with "bob chorba" in popularity is a cold soup made from sour milk, cucumbers and walnuts "tarator".

Of the second meat dishes, it is worth noting moussaka, pyuvech and veal baked on a spit. Poultry and fish dishes baked in pots have an amazing taste due to the added spices, and breaded cheese “qashqal pane” will not leave cheese lovers indifferent. Of the drinks, be sure to try "airan", this sour-milk drink perfectly quenches thirst.

Attractions in Sofia

All the main ones can be seen by car, and Sofia - on foot, as they are located in the very center of the city. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a monument and at the same time the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans, dedicated to the dead Russian soldiers, a cathedral beloved by Hollywood cinematographers.

The Banya Pasha Mosque is the only functioning mosque in the city. The peculiarity of the name of this mosque is that the building is located above the heat source, forming a bath.

Hagia Sophia is a symbol of the city associated with its ancient history. Previously, the cathedral was both a metropolitan church and a mosque and even a fire-prevention building of the city, however, today it is the pride of the townspeople.

The Palace of Culture is a multifunctional complex of architecture and art, within the walls of which annual music festivals are held, as well as exhibitions of various types of art.

Sights of the surroundings of Sofia

Mount Vitosha is a suburb of the capital and one of its main symbols. Climbing up the mountain by cable car, which operates both in winter and summer, you can enjoy the panorama of Sofia and make an excellent panoramic shot. The Vitosha mountain resort offers ski slopes and rock climbing to its visitors.

The Rila Monastery is an Orthodox monastery on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

How to get to Sofia

Aeroflot and Bulgaria Air operate direct regular flights from Moscow to Sofia, the flight time is almost 3 hours. From many major European cities there are direct and charter flights to Sofia.

You can also get to the capital of Bulgaria by train departing from Moscow on a direct flight, spending two days on it, but enjoying the views flickering outside the window. Buses run from the border countries, the schedule of which can be found at the central bus station of the capital.

Sofia transport

Sofia has all types of transport: buses, trams, trolleybuses, taxis and metro, connecting the city center with its outskirts. The only subway in Bulgaria is located in Sofia, there are only nine stations. The interval of trains is 15 minutes, the time of the metro is from 05:30 to 00:00.

The tram line, as well as the metro, the only one in the whole country, is located in Sofia, the opening hours of which coincide with the metro.

Almost a hundred bus routes connect all parts of the city. The daily interval of movement is 20 minutes, the night interval is 30, the working time ends an hour earlier than the operation of the subway and tram line. Taxis are classic yellow, equipped with a meter, as a rule, have a price list on the side window. We advise you to negotiate the price in advance.

For the convenience of using municipal transport, we recommend that you buy a universal card and move freely on any urban mode of transport. You can buy a card at any newsstand or from the driver of a vehicle.

The capital of Bulgaria - Sofia - is located in the west of the country. This one of the oldest cities in Europe has 7,000 years of history. During its existence, the city was destroyed many times, prospered, fell into decay again, and then was restored. Sofia attracts numerous tourists by the fact that monuments of Roman, Ottoman, Bulgarian and Thracian history side by side with modern buildings and structures. The sights of Sofia include about 250 monuments of architecture and history.

Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky

One of the most famous sights of Sofia is the Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky. This largest Orthodox church in the Balkans was erected in 1908 in honor of the Russian soldiers who defended Bulgaria during the Russo-Turkish War. An appeal was circulated throughout the country that everyone who could contribute to the construction of a monument that would express all the gratitude of the Bulgarian people to their liberators. Initially, the date of laying the monument was scheduled for March 1882, but this event had to be postponed due to the deterioration of relations between Bulgaria and Russia.

In 1896, the construction commission chose the project presented by the architect Pomerantsev. In 1920, the construction of the temple was completed, but the official opening took place only in 1924.

This monumental building is located in the very center of the Bulgarian capital. The height of the temple is 50 meters, and the area occupies 2600 square meters. m. The temple is made of white stone and granite and is decorated with various sculptural and decorative elements: friezes, cornices, columns. The golden domes of the temple are visible from afar, and 12 bells are suspended from the belfry, the largest of which weighs 12 tons.

The decoration of the interior of the cathedral is also impressive. It consists of Italian marble, Brazilian onyx, African alabaster. The premises are decorated with mosaics, colorful metal structures and church utensils. But the main decoration is highly artistic painting, which was created by many famous Bulgarian and Russian artists. Here you can admire picturesque paintings made in oil and tempra, frescoes, ornamental and symbolic images.

Saint Sophie Cathedral

Near Alexander Nevsky Square is the Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest monuments in Bulgaria. The date of construction of the Cathedral is considered to be VI-VII centuries. This temple gave its name to the capital of Bulgaria, and it is also represented on the coat of arms of the city. The building was built on the site of two small dilapidated churches. In the 90s of the 20th century, the Cathedral was restored and ancient catacombs were found on its territory.

Near the Cathedral there is a beautiful park, the center of which is the Doctor's Monument. The monument was erected in honor of Russian medical workers and military personnel who died during the Russian-Turkish war. Also on the territory of the Cathedral is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, next to which an eternal flame burns.

Library named after Cyril and Methodius

On Alexander Nevsky Square, tourists can also see the Cyril and Methodius Library. The largest book depository in Bulgaria contains about 2,000 old printed and manuscript editions. In front of the library is a monument to Cyril and Methodius.

Photo: Cyril and Methodius Library

Other significant sights of Sofia

Attracts tourists and Alexander Batenberg Square. On it is the Church of St. Nicholas, built according to the project of the architect Preobrazhensky and dedicated to Russian soldiers who laid down their lives during the Russian-Turkish war.

The Church of St. George, once called "Serdika", is the most significant monument of ancient Sofia that has survived to the present day. The building has a history of one and a half thousand years and during this time it was rebuilt several times. At first, the building housed a mausoleum, then a bathhouse. Since the adoption of Christianity in Bulgaria, the building was turned into a baptismal, and then into an ordinary church. The church of St. George is famous for its magnificent frescoes.

The national theater of Ivan Vazov, built in the Baroque style, is located in the city park of Sofia. The majestic building is decorated with sculptures of the goddess Nike and reliefs with mythological scenes.

The sights of Sofia attract a large number of tourists from all over the world to the city. The capital of Bulgaria is rightfully considered one of the main cultural centers of the country. In addition to numerous architectural monuments, the city boasts theaters, museums, galleries, exhibition halls. The National Historical Museum, Natural Science Museum, Ethnographic Museum, National Art Gallery deserve special attention.

Also in Sofia is the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the largest Bulgarian university named after St. Kliment Ohridski.

The capital of Bulgaria is rich in memorial places, museums, churches, which together are the national treasure of the Bulgarians, a symbol of their ethnic identity. Most cultural centers are located compactly, within walking distance from each other. Some sights of Sofia remained outside the boundaries of the modern city - within the medieval defensive walls, but regular transport links have been established to them. The National Cultural Park (the ancient "detinets" of the city) is deliberately not built up, because, together with the unique surrounding nature, ancient churches, museums and forts form a single historical and cultural landscape. Let's talk about the main attractions of Sofia.

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Like careful hands, two wings of the monumental building of the Presidential Palace surround the former baptistery of Constantine the Great. In the 4th century, the baptistery font cleansed the ancient Bulgarians before adopting the Orthodox faith, so “Shine the Place” is among other symbols of the Bulgarian statehood: the guard of honor, the Sheraton-Sofia-Balkan hotel, near the National Archaeological Museum. The shrine is tiny, the height of the dome is 13.7 m. But for a baptistery, such dimensions are too large.

One can imagine the scale of the buildings that surrounded the preserved rotunda on all sides during the heyday of the Byzantine Empire! The Turks, having destroyed the city in the 14th century, founded the Gul-Jamasy mosque, whitewashing the Christian frescoes. The first restoration in 1915 made it possible to rediscover the world of rotunda frescoes. Services are held daily. Rotunda accepts tourists in a pious form (shorts, tops do not pass) from 11 am to 5 pm. Morning prayer begins at 8 am, evening prayer ends at 6 pm Voluntary donations are welcome.

Temple-monument of Alexander Nevsky

From the highest place in Sofia, with twenty-seven bells, the main temple of Bulgaria calls to worship. The construction of a symbol of the victory of Orthodoxy was planned immediately after the Russian-Turkish war in 1979. The first drawings were made by the Russian architect A. Pomerantsev. Construction was carried out for 8 years, ended in 1912. The results of the First World War almost emasculated the essence of the monument: for some time the temple bore the name of St. St. Cyril and Methodius. But after the referendum of 1924, the main altar was re-consecrated in honor of Alexander Nevsky.

The height of the bell tower is 53 m, the area of ​​the cathedral is 3170 m². It accommodates 5,000 worshipers. 82 icons, 273 frescoes of the temple were created by artists P. Myasoedov, V. Vasnetsov, A. Vakhrameev, A. Kiselev, A. Korin, N. Bruni, V. Bolotnov, H. Tachev and others. » with excursion service (for 10 levs per person) from 10.00 to 17.00, except Tuesdays. The cathedral itself is open from 07.00 to 18.00, admission is free.

Serdika Amphitheater

Located in the museum "Fortress of Serdika-Sredets". The multi-layered citadel of the ancient Greek city of Serdika is presented in an ultra-modern exhibition complex - under glass domes and in the form of mothballed fragments of walls, ancient cobbled streets. The most valuable exhibits are the foundations of the fortress made of pink plinth from the Byzantine period and masonry with multi-colored cobblestones, marble granite blocks of the Hellenic period, as well as the remains of Greek colonnades and colorful archaic wall paintings.

The museum began its existence in 2004, when the area was being cleared for the Arena Hotel. Then an amphitheater was discovered, comparable in size to the Colosseum. All preserved exhibits of the Serdika Arena are included in the halls and decoration of the hotel, therefore they are constantly available.

Boyana Church

Boyana Church is located 8 km from Sofia. It could have been lost among the later additions, if not for the frescoes of the 11th-13th centuries. 240 figures and 89 stories are dedicated to the life and deeds of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and Panteleimon the Healer. The figures are original: not according to the canon, they amaze with the portrait resemblance of historical characters, conveyed with emotions frozen in facial expressions. An interesting realistic depiction of vegetables and fruits (on the fresco "The Last Supper").

The main part of the 11th century was completed in the 13th century by the sevastokrator Kaloyan. New paintings were applied on top of the previous paint layer. Outside, the facades of the Kaloyanova Church are decorated with ceramics. The two-storied Kaloyanov Church is the tomb of the Bulgarian boyars. In the 19th century, the church was once again completed. The three limits of Bojana are located on the ring of the medieval defensive wall of Sofia. Entrance fee - 5 euros. Open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

Saint Sophie Cathedral

The temple of the wisest in the wise city - there is no tautology - was erected in 343 for the Cathedral of Serdikiy. 537 left a disastrous mark. After the invasion of the barbarians, the Basilica of the Wisdom of God was restored by Emperor Justinian I the Great as a place for meetings of the episcopate. From the 13th century, the Bulgarian kings began to name the capital city, using the word Sofia instead of the former name of Serdika. At the end of the 19th century, the Ottomans used the building as a warehouse for fire supervision, after the earthquake of 1858 they did not dare to use it for a mosque, as before. Bad sign, they said. But 1878 put everything in its place - Russian victories returned lands, temples and Faith to the Balkans.

The earthquake destroyed the mosaic floors of the oldest functioning Orthodox church on the planet. However, the restorers of the 1990s consolidated the sacredness of the place by placing the tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the Flame of Memory, the Stone Lion in honor of Tsar Boris III, a monument to the writer Ivan Vazov and the square of the Russian Red Cross near Sofia. Moreover, an underground necropolis with galleries and crypts was discovered under the basilica. Entrance there - 6 lv. From April 15 - October 1 (in summer) open from 9.00 to 19.00. In winter - from 9.00 to 17.00.

Russian Church of St. Nicholas

The Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker of Mirlikiy is located on Tsar Liberator Boulevard in the center of Sofia. It was built as a symbol of victory over the Turks on the site of a market mosque. Approaching the church, the visitor walks along the Metochion of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, 1,400 m2 each, transferred to the Russian Synod back in 1882. The temple was founded in September 1907. The project was led by the architect M. T. Preobrazhensky.

He gave the building a "pseudo-Russian" style, using the techniques of wooden and stone architecture before the time of Peter the Great. Made of white carved stone under a green tiled roof, the porch seems to welcome the face of the Wonderworker, laid out on the pediment of bright majolica. Entrance to the current temple is free, consistent with the hours of worship: at 9 o'clock - liturgy, at 10, 10:30 and 11 - prayers, at 17 o'clock - akathestos. It is necessary to strictly observe the noble appearance. Donations are voluntary.

Holy Week Cathedral

The Church of Light Nedelya (Bulgarian) is named after the Holy Great Martyr Kyriakia of Nicomedia, called Holy Week in the Balkans. For a long time the temple was wooden. Founded at the turn of the first and second millennium. It is significant in that it served as the tomb of the Serbian king Stephen II Milutin (since the 1460s). Before the fire of 1856, the temple was called the Church of the Holy King.

From 1856 to 1867 a new building was erected on the site of the burnt one. The dimensions of the building are impressive: 35.5 m x 19 m. The complex contains a bell tower for 8 bells (3 were added later). The final appearance of the church was formed by 1898, but the frescoes inside were completed only in 1971-1973. The temple has the status of a Cathedral. Sunday service is accompanied by a male choir. You can't shoot for free. Photography fee - 5lv. Opens at 9:00, service ends at 18:00.

Sofia synagogue

The largest synagogue in Southeastern Europe was built in 1909 under Tsar Ferdinand I. The project was created by the Austrian architect F. Grünager. Style - eclectic: "Viennese Secession" with Moorish (in the arches of the facades). The height of the building is 31 meters, the area is 659 m², the main chandelier weighs 2 tons. The Florentine mosaics on the floors of the halls, the decoration with exquisite wooden carvings, have been preserved. Thematic excursions "Jewish communities in Bulgaria", "The Holocaust and the salvation of the Jews" are held here. The synagogue is open every day, except Saturday and Sunday, and not on holidays - the days of Hanukkah and Easter are excluded. Open from 09:00 to 13:30 and from 14:00 to 16:30. Visitors pay BGN 2 for a ticket.

Archaeological Institute and Museum

Museum NAIM BAN (National Archaeological Institute-Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences) occupies the building of the former Buyuk-dzhamiya mosque, built in 1474. This is the main research center in Bulgaria in the field of ethnography, archeology, material values ​​and book printing. It has been operating since 1949. The presented expositions tell about the pre-Thracian tribes, the Etruscans, funeral masks made of gold and copper of the Thracian kings, as well as artifacts from the time of the rule of Ancient Rome.

Visitors can get acquainted with the results of excavations at the site of the first Odrysian capital, Philipoppol, from the foot of Mount Shipka, from the sites of the ancient Bulgarian capitals of Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo. The heyday of Byzantium is shown by fragments of mosaics from Istanbul, ceramic dishes and cult objects made of precious metals.
Opening hours - from 10:00 to 18:00, seven days a week. Entrance - 10 leva.

Historical Museum of Bulgaria

Since 2000, the main exposition of the National Historical Museum of Bulgaria has been presented in the building of the government residence "Boyana". The halls with the Golden Treasure from Panagyurishte (IV-III centuries BC) are the heart of the presentable building. Gold dishes encrusted with precious stones, weapons, jewelry, armor and furniture - a total of 650 items - became the main asset of the museum. The treasure was found on December 8, 1949.

In summer (April - October) the museum is open from 9.30 to 18:00, in winter (November - March) - from 9:00 to 17:30. Entrance tickets for individual visitors cost 10 levs, for schoolchildren and students - 1 lev. Groups of 25 visitors run every 20 minutes. The one and a half hour sightseeing tour is free. Every last Monday of the month, admission is free for everyone. With a museum ticket, you can visit the Boyana Church.

Museum of Natural History

NPM - National Museum of Natural History (Bolg.) founded in 1889 by Prince Ferdinand. Located in a 4-storey building. On the ground floor, exhibits of inanimate nature are presented, including giant fossils and minerals. The second floor is occupied by an exposition about the natural wealth of the country. An exhibition of stuffed animals of modern mammals can be viewed on the 3rd. The exhibition on the fourth floor recreates scenes from the life of predators in the forests of America and Asia.

Two dioramas are presented: "Black Sea ichthyofauna" and "Coral reef of the island of Cuba". The museum operates under the auspices of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and is the largest collection of its kind in the Balkans. NPM accepts from Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00, except weekends and holidays. The last launch is at 17:00. Ticket price: adults - 5 levs, children under five years old - 1 levs, pensioners - 2 levs.

Museum of Military History

The National Museum of Military History is part of the structure of the Ministry of Defense of Bulgaria, has indoor areas - 5 thousand m², in the open air the exposition occupies 40 thousand m². One of the 3 very first museums - created in 1916. Artillery guns, rockets, tanks, planes are presented.

The museum galleries contain collections of weapons of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg (1879-1886), Prince Ferdinand I (1887-1918) and Tsar Boris III (1918-1943), as well as showcases of awards, distinctions, banners and military uniforms. Opening hours: from 10 to 18 hours on all days from Wednesday to Sunday. Entry fee: Children under 7 years old are free. Students and pensioners – BGN 2

National Palace of Culture

The palace, recognized as the best in the world (2005 - nomination "Best Congress Center"), occupies a huge area: 15 thousand square meters. It housed 15 halls and 50 other premises, including restaurants, auctions, exhibition galleries. Hall One hosted Herbert von Karajan, Jose Carreras, Ricardo Mutti, Yuri Bashmet, Emir Kusturica, Montserrat Caballe and others.

The National Palace of Culture can accommodate 8 thousand people at the same time. Metal-plastic was used in the halls and exterior decoration, the interiors are richly decorated with molding, wood carving, tapestries, wall paintings and sculptures. Luxurious park area overlooking the Vitosha Mountain attracts holidaymakers day and night. It is cool in the night cafe tents, thanks to light and music fountains.

Banya-Bashi Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in Europe, the main religious building of the Sofia Muslims. Built at the end of the 16th century over the outlet of thermal waters in the center of Sofia (the word "bath" is translated as a font). The pool for ablutions in the courtyard is in good condition, soaring so far. Otherwise, Banya-Bashi is a classical mosque: a lead dome covers a square building, with a minaret-tower and six small domes along the walls adjacent to the left and right of the minaret.

The main hall is decorated with colorful tiles and suras from the Koran. They are written in gilded script on a turquoise background. Accommodates 700 worshipers. The second floor is for women. Namaz (prayers) are performed many times, starting with the dawn, ending at midnight. Shoes are removed before entering. Tourists are offered bathrobes. Donations are free.

Borisov Gradina Park

30 hectares of green spaces, flower beds and lawns with Lake Maria Luiza in the center are the fruit of the imagination and painstaking work of Bulgarian and invited gardeners. Created in 1894. Includes two main alleys, cycle track, tennis courts, boat station and horse rental.

The style is English, but Japanese motifs are also used in the park. There is a pond overgrown with lotuses, a rose garden with 1500 varieties of roses. Tsar Boris Park is a favorite vacation spot for citizens. Several cafes offer delicious food, so you can go for the whole day. Free admission.

Bulgarian National Opera and Ballet Theater

Established in 1890, the opera troupe became a full-fledged theater in the 1920s with a repertoire consisting of works by Italian, Czech and Russian composers. The abbreviated name is Sofia Opera House. Leonkavalo's Pagliacci, the first Bulgarian operatic works: The Beggar Woman by Emanuil Manolov, Alexander by Georgy Atanasov, Tahir Begovitsa by Kizi Khadzhigeorgiev, enjoy success.

The heyday of the ballet school in Bulgaria began with Andrey Petrov's production of Kopelia (1928). The successful ensemble of the choir, orchestra, set designers, costume designers and dancers of the National Opera and Ballet Theater of Bulgaria makes it possible to stage productions of any level. The theater often tours and receives guests. The pompous theater building with 948 seats (in the main hall) was commissioned in 1953. Entrance to the evening performance at 19 o'clock - from 15 levs, to the daytime children's performance (at 10 or 11 o'clock) - from 10 levs.

Statue of Hagia Sophia

A 26-meter statue erected between an Orthodox church, a synagogue and a Catholic church that disappeared from the face of the earth as a result of the Anglo-American bombing, stands on the site of the now non-existent medieval Western Gate. Residents of the capital of Bulgaria revere this place also in memory of the defender of Sofia, tortured by the Ottomans, the bookseller Kiro Geoshev. Address - st. Trapezitsa, 4-a.

The gilded monument is dedicated to the city, an independent path of development and is not a statue of St. Sophia, which the author, sculptor Georgy Chepkenov, has repeatedly paid attention to. The gaze is fixed on the Palace of the National Assembly. The head is crowned with the crown of the ancient Greek fate of the Night, and a wise owl takes off from the hand. Until 1991, the place was occupied by a monument to Lenin, demolished as a result of "decommunization".

Monument to the Tsar Liberator

The equestrian statue of the Russian Tsar Alexander II stands on a granite pedestal. Made in bronze - as a tribute to the gratitude of the Bulgarians for the overthrow of the Turkish yoke in 1878. The bronze wreath in front of the monument is a gift from Romania. The opening of the monument took place in the presence of Prince Ferdinand I and the son of Alexander II - Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich Romanov on August 30, 1907.

The statue and the multi-figured massive cornice were cast under the direction of the Florentine sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi. This is one of his best works. The height of the monument is 12 m. The statue is placed on the square in front of the Palace of the National Assembly.

Boyana waterfall

A 16-meter column of water jets and splashes is the flight of the Boyana River, falling into the lake of the same name. The waterfall can be seen in the spring from the surrounding area of ​​Sofia, named after the river. Three paths of a 5-kilometer path lead to the miraculous miracle: one is along the riverbed, the other is along the lake, and the third starts at the Boyana Church.

The spectacularly frozen mass of water of the waterfall looks like in winter: it seems to have frozen in the frost on the fly. Glittering stalactites of water are located in close proximity to a small mountain hotel. All three trails run mostly on flat terrain, but at the end the descents are very steep.

Vitosha mountain range

Mount Czerny Vrych (2290 m) is covered with snow until the end of April. Skiers dominate its slopes 150 days a year. 56% of the laid tracks are amateur level. Only 12% are extreme. In summer, hiking begins on the highest mountain and on the two-thousanders lying to it.

Tourist development of the Black Peak began quite recently - in 1895. Over the course of a century, the Vitosha massif has acquired a developed infrastructure: numerous climbing and cycling trails have been blazed, bases and campsites have been built. The funicular lifts from Aleko station (1810 m). For 4 leva, the 30-degree May heat can be changed to the cool atmosphere of alpine meadows. There in the shade - plus 10 ° C.

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