Sofia, the Bulgarian Cultural City that has Long Been Omitted
Sofia is Bulgaria’s largest city, as well as the capital city. The city owns an ample amount of historical sites which still demonstrate the east-meets-west characteristic of Eastern Europe. The city is very rich in culture and has been passionate about preserving cultural artifacts. Modern shopping malls and luxurious hotels are just as accessible as traditional Bulgarian music.
Getting there
Perhaps getting to Sofia by train is the handiest option. Trains across Bulgaria as well as coming from other countries are running daily. Trains are departing from Istanbul, Vienna, Athens, Kiev and other big cities in Europe connecting to Sofia.
Sofia Airport serves international flights from major cities in Europe and domestic flight to Burgas and Varna. You can also get to Sofia by bus from Portugal, Greece, Macedonia, Istanbul, Basra and Vienna.
Downtown Sofia
Below are the two signature landmarks that you should not miss:
The Public Mineral Baths
Built between 1911 and 1913, the Mineral Baths, as known as the Turkish Baths, is one of Sofia’s architectural landmarks. The striped façade and ceramic decorations in the Bath are elegantly inspired by Nesebâr’s medieval churches. The north wing of the bath was bombed and damager during World War II and has been restored several years later. The bath was used until 1986 as the city’s public bath. It was closed on the same year as there were possible roof collapsing problem.
Sofia's Public Mineral Bath
A modern hot-water drinking fountain is located in a small square behind the bath, where locals fill up their bottles with free mineral water.
Although currently the bath is undergoing a restoration, aiming at switching the bath into civic Museum of Sofia and a healing centre, it is still a landmark in the center of Sofia that you should not miss.
Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church & Crypt
Built between 1882 and 1912, it is a memorial for the 200,000 Russian soldiers died during the Russo-Turkish War. The Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church symbolized the independence of Bulgaria. From the main entrance of the church, you can get to Aleksander Nevski Crypt (Museum of Icons). Bulgaria’s biggest and best collections of religious icons contributed by different parts of the country are displayed there.
Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church
The church was designed by Russian architect AN Pomerantsev in neo-Byzantine style, decorated with mosaics and gold-laden domes in the exterior, while naturalistic murals, pendulous chandeliers, elaborate onyx and alabaster thrones are shown in the church interior.
Birdview of Sofia
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