The capital of Bulgaria is rich in memorable places, museums, churches, in the aggregate of the national domain of Bulgaria, the symbol of their ethnic identity. Most cultural centers are compact, within walking distance from each other. Some of Sofia's attractions remained beyond the feature of the modern city - within the medieval defensive walls, but regular transport links are established. The National Cultural Park (the ancient "Keynets" of the city) is intentionally not being built up, because in aggregate with the uniquely surrounding nature, the vintage churches, museums and forts make up a single historical and cultural landscape. We will tell about the most important attractions of Sofia.

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As if gentle hands, the two wings of the monumental building of the presidential palace surround the former Baptistery of Konstantin Great. In the 4th century, the Baptistery Fike cleaned the ancient Bulgarians before the adoption of the Orthodox faith, so the "shine" is among other symbols of the Bulgarian statehood: the honorable guard, Hotel Sheraton Sofia-Balkan, near the National Archaeological Museum. The shrine is tiny, the height of the dome is 13.7 m. But for the Baptistery, such dimensions are too large.

You can imagine the scale of buildings that surrounded from all sides the preserved rotunda during the heyday of the Byzantine Empire! Turks, destroying the city in the XIV century, founded Gul-Jamasa mosque, taking Christian frescoes. The first restoration of 1915 made it possible to open the world of rotunda fresco. Services are carried out everyday. Rotunda takes tourists in a pious form (shorts, tops do not pass) from 11 to 17 hours. Morning prayer begins at 8, the evening ends at 18 hours. We are desirable voluntary donations.

Alexander Nevsky Temple

From the highest place of Sofia, twenty-seven bells calls on the host of the main temple of Bulgaria. The construction of a symbol of the victory of Orthodoxy immediately after the Russian-Turkish war in 1979 is conceived. The first drawings performed Russian architect A. Pomerances. The construction was carried out for 8 years, ended in 1912. The results of the First World War almost wicked the essence of the monument: for some time the temple was named after SV.SV. Cyril and Methodius. But after the referendum of 1924, the chief altar was re-consecrated in honor of Alexander Nevsky.

The height of the bell tower is 53 m, the Square of the Cathedral is 3170 MI. It accommodates 5000 praying. 82 Icons, 273 Frescoes of the temple created artists P. Myesouedov, V. Vasnetsov, A. Vakhrameev, A. Kiselev, A. Corin, N. Bruni, V. Bolotnov, H. Tachev, and others. The Cathedral of the Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky "With excursion service (for 10 lv per person) from 10.00 to 17.00, except for Tuesdays. The cathedral itself works from 07.00 to 18.00, the entrance is free.

Amphitheater Angry

Located in the Museum "Coppressure of the middle of the middle". The multi-layer degree of the ancient Greek city of the angry is represented in an ultra-modern exhibition complex - under glass domes and in the form of canned fragments of walls, ancient cobbled streets. The most valuable exhibits are the foundations of the fortress from the pink dlinge the time of the Byzantium and the laying of multi-colored cobblestones, marble granite blocks of the Ellinsky period, as well as the remnants of Greek colonnade and colorful archaic wall paintings.

The museum began its existence in 2004, when they cleared the territory under the Arena Hotel. Then the amphitheater was discovered comparable to sizes with the coliseum. All the surviving exhibits of the angry arena are included in the halls and design of the hotel, because constantly available.

Boyan church

The Boyan Church is 8 km from Sofia. Could get lost among later attacks, if it were not for the frescoes of the XI - XIII centuries. 240 figures and 89 plots are dedicated to the lives and acts of Nikol Wonderworker and Panteleimon Healer. Figures are original: not according to the canon, they am striking with the portrait similarity of historical characters, transferred to the emotions frozen in facial expressions. Interestingly realistic image of vegetables, fruits (on the fresco "Last Supper").

The main part of the XI century was completed in the XIII century Sevastocrator Kaloyan. New paintings applied on top of the previous colorful layer. Outside, the facades of the Kaloyan Church are decorated with ceramics. Two-storey Kaloyanov Church - Tomb of Bulgarian boyars. In the XIX century, the church once became completed. Three battle limits are located on the ring of the medieval defensive wall of Sofia. The entrance is paid - 5 euros. It works daily from 9.30 to 17 hours.

Saint Sophie Cathedral

The temple of the wisest in the wise city - tautology is not - erected in 343 for the Auditian Cathedral. 537 left a destructive trail. After the invasion of the barbarians, the Basilica of God's wisdom was restored by Emperor Justinian I Great as a place for the meetings of the Bishopath. From the XIII century, the Tsari Bulgarian is started to call, using the word Sofia instead of the previous name of the angry. At the end of the XIX century, Ottomans used the building as a warehouse of fire supervision, after the earthquake of 1858, not daring to use for a mosque as before. A bad sign - said. But 1878 put everything in its place - Russian victories returned to the Balkans of the Earth, temples and faith.

The earthquake destroyed the mosaic floors of the oldest acting Orthodox church of the planet. However, the restorers of the 90s secured the sacralism of the place, placing the grave of the unknown soldier with the fire, a stone lion to the glory of King Boris III, a monument to the writer Ivan Vazov and Square of the Russian Red Cross. Moreover, underground necropolis with gallery and crypts was found under the basilica. Log in there - 6 LV. From April 15 - to October 1 (in the summer) opened from 9.00 to 19.00. In winter - from 9.00 to 17.00.

Russian Church of St. Nicholas

The Church of the Nicholas-Wonderworker Mirlijsky is located on the Boulevard of the Tsar of the liberator 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 marchs at the foundation of the Russian Orthodox Church abroad, at 1400 MI, transferred to the Russian Synod back in 1882. The temple was laid in September 1907. Supervised the project architect M. T. Preobrazhensky.

He asked the structure of the "pseudorussky" style using techniques of wooden and stone architecture to Petrov times. From a white carved stone under the tie-up green roof, the porch seems to be welcomed by a lick of the miracle, laid out on the front of Bright Maitolia. The entrance to the current temple is free, consistent with the watches of worship: at 9 o'clock - liturgy, at 10, 10:30 and 11 - prayers, at 17 o'clock - Akafesta. It is necessary to strictly observe a renunal view. Donations voluntary.

Cathedral of the Holy Week

Zompava Lights Week (Bulgarian) is named after the Holy Great Martyr Kiriaki Nikomidia, called the Balkans of the Holy Week. For a long time, the temple was wooden. Based on the turn of the first and second millennium. It is significant in that he served as the tomb of the Serbian king Stefan II Milutina (from the 1460s G.G.). Before the fire of 1856, the temple was called the Church of the Holy King.

From 1856 to 1867, a new building is erected on the site of the burnt. The size of the construction is impressive: 35.5 m x 19 m. The complex accommodates the bell tower on 8 bells (3 added later). The final appearance of the church was formed by 1898, but the frescoes inside ended only in 1971 - 1973. The temple has the status of the Cathedral. Sunday service is carried out accompanied by a male choir. You can not remove free. Fee for photography - 5lv. Opened at 9:00, the end of service at 18:00.

Sofia synagogue

The largest synagogue in southeastern Europe was built in 1909 at Queen Ferdinand I. The project was created by the Austrian architect F. Grunager. Style - eclectic: "Vienna Secession" with Mauritanian (in the arches of the facades). Building height 31 meters, area 659 MI, the main chandelier weighs 2 tons. Florentine mosaic has preserved on the halls, decoration with exquisite wooden carvings. Here are the thematic excursions "Jewish communities of Bulgaria", "Holocaust and rescue of Jews." The synagogue works every day, except Saturday and Sunday, and not on holidays - the days of Hanukkah, Easter, are excluded. Open from 09:00 to 13:30 and from 14:00 to 16:30. For a ticket, visitors pay 2 lv.

Archaeological Institute and Museum

The Museum of the Nam Ban (National Archeological Institute Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences) occupies the building of the former Mosque Buyuk-Jamia, built in 1474. This is the main research and development center of Bulgaria in the field of ethnography, archeology, material values \u200b\u200band typography. Functions since 1949. The presented exposures are narrated to Thracian tribes, Etrusca, demonstrates fry masks from gold and copper of the Thracian kings, as well as artifacts of the times of the dominion of ancient Rome.

Visitors can familiarize themselves with the results of the excavation at the site of the first evident capital of Filipopol, with the foot of the Mount of Shipka, from the places of the ancient Bulgarian capitals Plovdiv and Veliko-Tarnovo. The heyday period of Byzantium is shown by fragments of Mosaics from Istanbul, ceramic kitchenware and the objects of the cult of precious metals.
Work time - from 10:00 to 18:00, without days off. Entrance - 10 Levs.

Historical Museum of Bulgaria

Since 2000, the main exposition of the National Historical Museum of Bulgaria is represented in the building of the Government Residence "Boyana". The heart of the presentable building is the halls with a golden treasure from Panagurishte (IV - III century. In. BC). Golden dishes encrushed by gems, weapons, decorations, armor and furniture - only 650 items - became the main ownership of the museum. Casket found on December 8, 1949.

In the summer (April - October), the museum works from 9.30 to 18 hours, in the winter (November - March) - from 9:00 to 17:30. Entrance tickets for individual visitors are 10 lv, for schoolchildren and students - 1 LV. Groups of 25 visitors are launched with periodicity every 20 minutes. Overview One-hour excursion is free. Each last Monday of the month is a free entrance to everyone. By ticketing a museum you can visit the Boyan Church.

Museum of Natural History

NPM - National National Animated Museum (Bulge) was created in 1889 by Prince Ferdinand. Located in a 4-hour building. On the first floor there are exhibits of inanimate nature, including gigantic fossils and minerals. The second floor is exposed to the natural wealth of the country. The exhibition is stuffed with modern mammals can be viewed at 3rd. The fourth floor exhibition recreates the scenes from the life of predators in the forests of America and Asia.

Two diorams are presented: "Black Sea ichthyofauna" and "Coral Reef of Cuba Island". The museum operates under the auspices of the Academy of Sciences Bulgaria, is the largest meeting of this kind in the Balkans. NPM takes from Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00, except weekends and holidays. Last launch - at 17:00. Ticket price: adults - 5 LV, children under five - 1 LV, pensioners - 2 LV.

Museum of military history

The National Museum of Military History enters the structure of the Ministry of Defense of Bulgaria, has covered areas - 5 thousand MI, an open-air exposition occupies 40 thousand MI. One of the 3rd of the first museums - created in 1916. Artillery guns, rockets, tanks, airplanes are presented.

In the Museum galleries are the collections of Prince Alexander I Battenberg (1879-1886), Prince Ferdinand I (1887-1918) and Tsar Boris III (1918-1943), as well as showcases of awards, differences, banners and military uniforms. Opening hours: from 10 to 18 hours all days from Wednesday on Sunday. The cost of the visit: children under 7 years old - free. Students and pensioners - 2 lv.

National Palace of Culture

The palace recognized as the best in the world (2005 - the nomination "Best Congress Center"), occupies a huge area: 15 thousand sq.m. There are 15 halls and 50 other premises, including restaurants, auctions, exhibition galleries. The first room was taken by Herberta von Karaian, José Carreras, Ricardo Mutty, Yuri Bashmet, Emir Kusturitsa, Montserrat Caballe, etc.

The National Palace of Culture is able to accommodate 8 thousand people at the same time. In the halls and the exterior decoration used metal plastic, the interiors are richly decorated with a woodwood, wood carvings, tapestries, wall painting and sculptures. A luxurious park area overlooking Mount Vitosh attracts holidaymakers during the day and night. In the night tanth cafe is cool, thanks to light-music fountains.

Ban-Bashi Mosque

One of the oldest mosques of Europe, the main religious construction of Sofia Muslims. Built at the end of the XVI century above the exit of thermal waters in the center of Sofia (the word "bath" is translated as a font). Pool for ablutions in the courtyard, it is so far. The rest of the Banya-Bashi is a classic mosque: the lead dome overlaps the square in terms of the structure, with a minaret-tower and six small domes along the walls adjacent to the left and right to the minaret.

The main hall is decorated with multi-colored tiles and suras from the Quran. They are written by a gilded knage on a turquoise background. Holds 700 praying. The second floor is designed for women. Namazu (prayers) are performed repeatedly, starting with the predestal dawn, end at midnight. Shoes before entering. Tourists are offered bathrobes. Donations - in free form.

Park Borisova Gradda

30 hectares of green plantings, flower beds and lawns with Lake Maria-Louise in the center - the fruit of fantasy and painstaking work of Bulgarian and invited gardeners. Created in 1894. Includes two main alleys, cycling, tennis courts, a boat station and hire rental.

Style - English, but in the park used and the motives of Japan. There is a pond with a lotus, a greenhouse-rosary with 1500 varieties of roses. Tsar Boris Park is a favorite place of citizens. In several cafes offer delicious foods, therefore you can go for a whole day. Free admission.

Bulgarian National Opera and Ballet Theater

The opera troupe created in 1890 began in the 20s of the 20th century a full-fledged theater with a repertoire, consisting of works of Italian, Czech and Russian composers. Abbreviated name - Sofia Opera. Success "Bargs" Leonkavalo, the first Bulgarian opera works: "Beggar" Emanuel Manolov, "Alexander" Georgy Atanasov, Tahir Rogovitsa Kizi Hadzhigorgiyev.

The blooming of Bulgarian ballet school behaves from the statement of Andrei Petrov "CEELY" (1928). A successfully established ensemble of choir, orchestra, scenery, costumes and dancers of the National Opera and Ballet Theater and Bulgarian Ballet makes it possible to set any levels. Theater is often toured and accepts guests. The pompous building of the theater at 948 places (in the main hall) was commissioned in 1953. The entrance to the evening performance at 19 o'clock - from 15 LV, on day children's (at 10 or 11 hours) - from 10 LV.

Statue of St. Sophia

The 26-meter statue, erected between the Orthodox Church, the synagogue and the Catholic church, disappeared from the face of the Earth as a result of Anglo-American bombing, stands on the site of the non-existing medieval Western gates. Residents of the capital of Bulgaria worship this place also in memory of the defendant of Sofia Kiro Geosh, who tortured by Ottomans. Address - ul. Trapezian, 4-a.

The gold-plated monument is dedicated to the city, an independent development path and is not a statue of CV. Sofia, who has repeatedly drawn attention by the author is the sculptor George Chepkenov. The glance is fixed to the Palace of the National Assembly. The head is crowned with the crown of the ancient Greek destiny of the night, and with his hands take off the wise owl. Until 1991, the place was held by a monument to Lenin, demolished as a result of "decamsmunization".

Monument to the Tsar liberator

Equestrian statue of the Russian king Alexander II snaps on the granite pedestal. Made in bronze - as a tribute to the Bulgarian for the overthrow of Turkish yoke in 1878. Bronze wreath in front of the monument - a gift to Romania. The opening of the monument occurred in the presence of Prince Ferdinand I and the son of Alexander II - the Grand Prince Vladimir Alexandrovich Romanova on August 30, 1907.

The statue and multifiguric massive cornice cast under the leadership of the Florentine sculptor Arnoldo Dzocca. 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.

Boyan waterfall

The 16-meter pillar of water jets and splashes is the flight of the Boyana River, falling into the Lake of the same name. Waterfall can be seen in the spring from the surrounding area of \u200b\u200bSofia, named by the river. Three paths of the 5-ticklete path lead to an unpretentious miracle: one - along the river, the other - along the lake, and the third starts at the Boyan Church.

The effectively frozen water mass of the waterfall looks in winter: it seemed to froze in the cold on the fly. Sparkling stalactites of water are located in close proximity to the small mountain hotel. All three trails pass mainly through the flat locality, but at the end - the descents are very cool.

Mountain array of Vitosh

The mountain of black-ie (2290 m) is covered with snow cover until the end of April. 150 days a year skiers dominate on her slopes. 56% of the laid tracks - amateur level. Only 12% - extreme. In the summer, the hiking climb on the highest mountain and the two thousandths running towards it.

The tourist development of the black peak began quite recently - in 1895. In the century, the Array of Vitosha has gained a developed infrastructure: numerous climbers trails and cycling routes are presented, bases, campgrounds are built. The funicular raises from Aleco Station (1810 m). For 4 lev, the 30-Tigradus May heat can be changed to the cool atmosphere of alpine meadows. There in the shade - plus 10 ° C.

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Ban-Bashi Mosque

Sofia, Princess Boulevard Maria Louise, 25

The Sophia Banya-Bashi Mosque is definitely one of the oldest in Europe, although a completely accurate date of its construction is difficult today. Nevertheless, in the appropriate arch of the mosque there is a stone with an unreadable inscription and numbers.

For kids

Children's Museum Museumo in Sofia

Sofia, ul. Professor Boyan Kamenov, 3

Science can be turned into a game - they consider the creators of the Children's Museum and the Scientific Center "Museumko", which opened in Sofia. To do this, it is enough to break all the sacred museum rules and resolve everything in museums is forbidden: to touch, sniff, experiment with exhibits and play with them.

Sofia - the city is so ancient, with such a rich history that here, of course, is what to see. This is evidenced by at least an antique fortress of the angry. It was built on the site of this Sofia at the beginning of the first millennium of our era of the Romans: the city of the angry was subsequently the capital of Thrace, the Roman province. For a long time, the ruins were hidden from the eyes, studied and restored (in this way, the fragment of the amphitheater was perfected by chance only in 2004). But today guests of the city can be completely free to admire the remnants of fortifications and structures, as well as restored churches, older than about 1,700 years.

Speaking of churches, it is impossible not to mention that in Sofia their great set. And each has its own history, interesting and old. The most cast and the famous Church of the Bulgarian capital is, of course, the monument to Alexander Nevsky. This monumental building is so impressive and beautiful that it can be considered the main attraction not only Sofia, but also the whole country. In the cathedral, built in honor of the liberation of Bulgaria from Osmanov Turkov, can fit simultaneously to five thousand believers, and the interior is not less beautiful to interior than the appearance.

Vitosha, in itself, is considered one of the most interesting sights of Sofia, is a very picturesque mountain with snow-covered vertices, which has the same National Park.

The church of St. Sophia, which is very close, is much less impressive and does not impress the puff and pomp. But she inspires great respect and reverence: the church is about 1400 years old, and she never stopped performing their function as an Orthodox church.

The Russian Embassy Church is noteworthy and consecrated in honor of Nicholas the Wonderworker. This is the only Russian Orthodox Church in Sofia, and it features a characteristic architecture with masters crowned with gilded domes. Inside the church, in Crypt, the relics of Archbishop Seraphim (Sobolev), known as the miracle, Sophia, are stored. And one more church, the Boyanskaya, named after the village, is famous for its unique inner pains. The first part of the church with three adhesives was built in the 11th century, and the earliest frescoes belong to the same time. In total, almost 90 paintings can be seen inside the church, which show 240 separate characters. In the aggregate, they are the most extensive and valuable assembly of medieval wall painting in Bulgaria.

Camping

The Boyan Church stands at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain, which herself is considered one of the most interesting sights of Sofia. This is a very picturesque mountain with snow-covered vertices, which has the same National Park. There are many ski resorts and walking distance on Vitosha. If you do not have a desire to climb so far, then beautiful corners for relaxing in nature will be in Sofia itself. For example, this is the main city park Borisov Gradda. Once there was a hand of three famous gardeners to him, each of whom was brought to the park landscapes something their own. Today, the park is not too well-groomed, bushes and trees are thick ground, forming shady allys with the ruins of old buildings, but it only adds to him a specific dyed charity.

Museums of Sofia

Those who want to touch culture and history should visit several Sofia museums. First of all, perhaps the National Historical Museum of Bulgaria. It has more than extensive funds, in which archaeological finds are particularly interesting, the oldest of which are dated by the stone age. In total, the museum meeting is more than 650 thousand artifacts.

Lovers of history will be interested to visit the National Museum of History. He is considered to be the richest Balkan treasury. The museum is located in the picturesque Boyana quarter. Numerous exhibits presented here cover the history of Bulgaria from the ancient times of the Thracian period until today. The museum works without days off, from 9.30 to 18.30. The exception is national holidays. Entrance for children up to 7 years - free, for adults - 6 levs (4 dollars).

National Museum of Military History

The National Museum of Military History is very popular. Many consider him one of the most impressive museums in Sofia. It was opened in 1916 and offers visitors to the unique exposition of military exhibits, located on three floors. There are halls dedicated to military equipment, outfit, award-winning and firearms. All Military History of Bulgaria is fully in the museum walls. The museum accepts visitors from Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00. Entrance for children up to 7 years - free, for adults - 8 lev (5 dollars). You can also order an individual excursion in Russian, which will cost in the area of \u200b\u200b40 lev (25 dollars).

Mosque on Square Bans in Sofia

There are in Sofia and the only acting mosque, which is an architectural monument. It was built 500 years ago by the project of the Turkish architect. According to some information, he was Bulgarian who later accepted Islam. The mosque is located in the center on the square of the Bannies and is open to visiting at any time, except for prayer hours.

Pyrotskaya street

Fans of an authentic atmosphere worth walking along pyrotskaya street In the historical center of the capital. Here Sofia retained its old appearance of the late 19th century period of the 20th century. This is a small shopping street consisting of neoclassicism buildings and modern.

Bypassing this street, you can go to a beautiful area where the central Sophia Khali is located. Now it is a modern, indoor bazaar and a favorite place for shopping at the capital's residents. Now few people remember that this is a building in the style of national romanticism (so defined his architect) was intended to emphasize the brilliance and the greatness of the Bulgarian medieval palaces located in Plisk and Presbyla. The building is considered one of the brilliant samples of the Bulgarian national architecture.

Of course, familiarization with a small number of attractions can not give a complete idea of \u200b\u200bthis beautiful city. Therefore, many tourists who visited Sofia at least once, seek to get here again and again.

Your story about an amazing and wonderful edge - Southwestern Bulgaria - I'll start with the story of the weather, because every tourist wants to know that he can expect him in a particular region. As they say, "there is no bad weather - there are unsuitable clothing." Bulgaria has long been a desired holiday destination for Russians, annually they go to this country for two or four weeks in Turkutovkov, rent housing for all summer or acquire houses and apartments in Bulgaria to property. One of the reasons is an excellent ecology and a pleasant climate of the region.

The climate here is mainly changed and it changes from the north to south every 40-45 km. Traveling from Sofia to South, towards Greece, on the E-79 motorway, it immediately notice, and it is noticeable in summer, and in winter. In the north of the edge, in Sofia The climate is continental - the summer is warm, in winter it is cold, a lot of snow and often come rain. And already through kilometers of 45-50 south, driving by the city DupnitsaYou notice how suddenly it becomes warmer and stop the rains.

More south, near the city Blagoevgrad., Temperature in the summer is already for +30 about. By continuing the path of another kilometers to 30 south, entering Cross Gorgewhere the air temperature immediately falls to + 20-25 oh. We are traveled already in moderate subtropics, where the average temperature reaches +40 o. In the extreme south, starting from the city Sandanski And to the Greek border, in the summer for +40 oh, and in winter it does not happen below + 10-12 oh.

You can imagine how nature changes and the landscape behind the glass of the car. I wish you to see this beauty!

Sofia - the capital of Bulgaria

History Sofia Very rich, and they will not learn it in a small article, but you can draw the overall picture. The first mention of Sofia belongs to the era of Neolithic. Several settlements belonging to this period are open on its territory.

In the VII century BC. There was a Thracian city, called Serdonpolis, subsequently - a heart. In the 4th century BC The city was ruled by Philipp II, and after - his son, Alexander Macedonian. In 29, the city is part of the Roman Empire. In time, Mark Aureliya, and later, with imp. Commero greatly grows and becomes the capital of inner Dakia. Later, with imp. Aurelian, in 271, the capital of all Dacia.

The angry is the favorite city of Constantine Great. Emperor Justinian expands the city, builds new fortress walls. At the same time, during his rule, the Basilica of St. Sofia was built, which subsequently gave the name of the city.

In the 809, Khan Krum joins the city to Bulgarian Khanate.

Today Sofia is an administrative, cultural, university center. 18% of production is concentrated here. The city has a huge number of excellent hotels that offer excellent service. Double room at the hotel 3 *, with a breakfast included, can be calm for 40-50 lefts (20-25 euros). There are a lot of excellent restaurants, where available prices, as well as a lot of interesting taverns in the national style, where they are prepared very tasty, and where one dinner for two with salads, the first, main dish and with all alcohol and dessert - will never exceed 60 leftovers.

There are a lot of museums, theaters, cinemas, monuments of history, architecture and culture in the city. Some of these let us go below.

Church "Holy Sofia"

The church was built in the IV-VI centuries. It is a cross-headed basil with Nartex and a triangous apse. Near the South Wall there is a monument to "Unknown Soldier". In 1955, the temple was declared a monument of culture.

National Historical Museum

The museum was established in 1973. At the 32-room museum, which exposed 650,000 exhibits from the pistoric era to the present day.

Boyan church

The church was built at the end of the 20th century, located in one of the suburban regions of Sofia and is known for his painting from 1259. The preserved painting is the second layer on top of the older. In 1979, UNESCO is recognized by the World Cultural Heritage.

Kremikovsky monastery

The monastery is 3 km from Sofia, founded in the XIV century and is one of the 14 monasteries built at the same time around Sofia. Currently, the monastery is valid. There are two residential buildings and two churches - "St. Georgy "(XV century) and" St. Virgin Assumption "(early XX century).

Church of "Saint Nicholas" (known as "Russian Church")

The Church of Saint Nicholas in Sofia is also known as the "Russian Church".

This is one of the most beautiful churches in Bulgaria, built in 1912 by Russian masters in honor of St. Nicholas Wonderworker.

The Church has a non-standard color architectural solution: Tile - Brightly yellow, the main dome is green, and 5 small domes are covered with gold. Bells - a gift to Nicholas II.

Sofia. Cathedral Temple "Alexander Nevsky"

Let's start our journey with Sofia. In Sofia, there are many interesting places where it is not only worth it, but also need to visit and see, but you can not miss the Cathedral Temple of Alexander Nevsky, built in 1912 in honor of the Russian warriors who died in the liberation war of 1877-1878. This majestic and very beautiful structure is located in the heart of the city. The area of \u200b\u200bits 3170 m 2, the height is 45 meters, accommodates 5000 parishioners.

The temple is a five-ship church in neo-Byzantine style. In the interior used exceptionally high-quality and expensive materials: Multicolored Itanian marbles, Onyx from Brazil. Around the dome drum with thin gold letters engraded the Prayer "Our Father", and one of the most valuable collections of ancient icons is collected in the temple storage.

Kurilovsky Monastery

It was built at the very beginning Spark Gorgeon the right bank of the river Iskor 15 km from Sofia. The monastery began to build in the 9th century, in the proximity to the old Bulgarian fortress Beligrad (White Hilder), he is one of the oldest monasteries in the Sofia Diocese.

According to the legend, in 1469, the relics of St. Ivan Rilsky were for a while they are put here. It happened during their transportation from Tarnovo to the Rila Monastery. In the XV century, during the Turkish yoke, the monastery was destroyed. Later was restored by monks in 1593

In 1596, the monastery was painted by Pimen's zografsky Sofia, the most famous Bulgarian icon painter. His hand belongs to the icons of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, Saints Constantine and Elena.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the monastery became a girlish. In force, it is to this day, and declared a cultural monument.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - Cathedral Patriarch Cathedral of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. It is located on the Square of the same name.

The majestic cathedral was erected at the beginning of the twentieth century according to the architect of Pomerantsev in honor of the Russian soldiers who died in the liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish domination during the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-78.

The cathedral is made of granite and white stone and decorated with cornices, friezes and columns. 12 bells from the bell tower were cast in Moscow.

In the interior of the church, Italian marble, Brazilian Onyx and African Alabaster were used. The frescoes and thread are made by 32 Russians and 13 Bulgarian artists. The central altar is dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky, South - St. Boris, who brought Christianity in Bulgaria, North - St. Cyril and Methodius.

In 1964, a museum of icons was opened in the underground crypt of the Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky, which exposed more than 300 icons and frescoes from all over the country of the period 9-19 centuries.

Church of Saint Sophia

The Church of St. Sophia is the acting Orthodox church, which is located in the heart of the Bulgarian capital of Sofia. The temple is one of the valuable samples of the early Christian architecture of South-Eastern Europe. An interesting fact is that it was this church that gave the name to the entire Bulgarian city, which later became the capital of the country.

The first temple at this place was built in the 313 years. A few years later, a wooden temple changed the Stone Cathedral of Saint Sophia, built with the support of Emperor Konstantin І. The new temple held the Auditian Cathedral.

During the Turkish Iea, the church for a while was turned into a mosque, and in the XIX century, the temple was used by Osmans as the center of the city's fire service.

Now the temple is acting and in it from time to time there are archaeological investigations, since it is built on the site of necropolis and other ancient stone tombs.

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National Historical Museum

Museum of Bulgarian history, culture, ethnography. It was founded in 1973, now is located in the Government Residence "Boyana". The richest collection, created on the basis of perennial research in the field of archeology, ethnography, as well as assembly of objects of art, books, photographs, household items, church utensils, jewels. The permanent exposition of the museum is an illustration of the history of the Bulgarian state since the era of the Neolithic age and to the present day.

The National Historical Museum has a huge collection of 650,000 exhibits and is one of the largest historical museums in Europe. The main exposition is divided into 6 periods: Stone Age, Frace, Greek Period, Roman period, Bulgarian kingdoms, Bulgarian revival, 20th century.

One of the richest treasures in the Balkan Peninsula is the National Historical Museum opened in 1973 by the decision of the government. The first exposition was presented in honor of the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state in 1984. Currently, it is stored about 700 thousand different cultural monuments, which represent the history of Bulgarian lands. Unfortunately, only about 10% of all values \u200b\u200bare presented in exposure halls.

The main exposition of the museum is located in five halls, which are devoted to the ancient Frace, primitive society, Middle Ages, Bulgarian lands in the XV-XIX centuries and the third Bulgarian state, starting from 1878 to the present day. The collection of primitive society presents various weapons from silica and bones, as well as idol figures, ceramics and decorations.

The hall with a collection dedicated to the ancient Frace, where the well-known invaluable treasures - Rogozenskoye, Panagyurskoye and Summer, and treasure discovered near the village of Duvan Luvanlia are also kept. Here you can see numerous funeral decorations and gifts, which were found in the study of a huge number of Kurgans throughout Bulgaria.

Houses of Parliament

Absolutely any country has a specific political system. Except in such cases is simply impossible to find. No matter which political regime is introduced in the country, in each country there will be the most building in which the deputies will meet. If you go to the beautiful capital of sunny Bulgaria - Sofia, then walking through the streets of the city, sooner or later, we will be able to see such a building - the building of the Sofia Parliament.

As for the building description, many noted that it can safely reckon with any attraction of a small Sofia. Moreover, if you happened to stay in the capital for a while, you will not have any difficulties with the choice of hotels, from the windows of which you will be able to see this architectural building. Especially beautiful it can seem at night when the unusual illumination of the building is included.

If you are passionate about the story, then you will be pleased to know the extraordinary history of the Parliament building in Sofia.

Mosque Ban Bashi.

Bay Bashi Mosque is located in Sofia. It was created by the famous engineer and architect Mimara Sinan. At the time of its construction, Turks managed in the city, and they were the control of the city. The construction of the mosque was able to complete in 1576.

Interestingly, she received his name from the phrase "Banya Bashi", which literally denotes "many baths".

This monument of culture is unique in that it is built over thermal sources, the creator of which nature has become the most. Small pairs can notice right in the mosque. It rises from the holes specially created in the ground and goes around the walls of the mosque.

The building is also famous for its dome, which has a fifteen meter diameter, as well as a minaret that looks straight into the sky.

Now Banya Bashi Dzhamiya is the only working mosque in all of Sofia. It is the mosque and is considered a monument that the Ottoman Empire left.

Mosque Ban Bashi.

Banya Bashi Mosque is a great structure built on the initiative of the benefactor Efendi Kada Safellah in Sofia, Bulgaria. This is one of the oldest mosques in Europe, its construction was completed in 1567. The name of the construction is associated with the expression "Bata Bashi", which is literally translated as "a lot of baths". The peculiarity of the mosque is that it is built over the natural thermal resort. You can see how steam passes through the ventilators installed at the base of the walls of the structure. Banya Babi's mosque is also known thanks to his big dome and minaret. Currently, it is the only functioning in the city.

Banya Bashi's mosque is a unique architectural creation, which reflects the specifics of the Ottoman architecture of the 16th century. The structure was erected from the brick and stone a great architect Sinan. In the corners of the mosque are small towers. The walls and arches of the prayer hall are made of dashest stone, and the columns are from solid stone and have a wonderful matte color. The arch, located above the entrance door, is also made of stone, and the central dome is covered with thin tin plates. Every year, this building attracts many tourists and pilgrims from around the world.

And you wonder how well you know Sofia sights? .

National Opera and Ballet Theater

The National Opera and Ballet Theater in Sofia is an old and very famous theater in Europe, which has survived in its century. It is a majestic building at number 30 It is not difficult to find in the Bulgarian capital - it is located on the Boulevard of Prince Dondukov.

Bulgarian opera starts his story since 1908, but the building for the opera was decided to build only in 1921. At that time, the project was ready, however, the building began only in 1947. The end of construction was in 1953.

Inside the theater is large and spacious. It seems even more than the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. There are several halls and scenes in the building of the Sofia Theater, and the largest scene is located at a depth of about 13 meters. This hall is able to accommodate 948 people.

Now the theater is very popular among tourists and locals. At the ticket office for tickets are pretentiated quite large queues.

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