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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Sofia may argue with Greek Athens for the right to be considered the most ancient capital of Europe. A lot of evidence of its rich history has been preserved in the city: the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater, the Church of the Vizantine Empire and the Mosque, erected in the times of Ottoman rule.

The capital of Bulgaria also boasts numerous monuments of the new time. Among them are the magnificent temple of Alexander Nevsky, an elegant Sofia Synagogue, the Russian Church of St. Nicholas and other not less remarkable structures.

Today, tourists' interest in Sofia is growing steadily. A few days spent in this dynamic and interesting city will definitely remain in the piggy bank of the impressions of every passionate traveler.

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What to see and where to go to Sofia?

The most beautiful places and main attractions

Cathedral of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, located on the Square of the same name. The grand building of the Cathedral, which is brightly distinguished against the background of the cityscape, was erected at the beginning of the 20th century on the project of the Russian architect A. Pomerantsev. The reason was the liberation of Bulgaria from under the authorities of the Ottoman Empire on the results of the Russian-Turkish war. The temple is built in the neologantine style.

The oldest church of Sofia. It was erected in the IV century under the emperor Konstantin. Initially, the temple was used as a baptistery. After the conquest of Bulgaria, the Turks-Osmans in the XVI century the building was turned into a mosque. During restoration works on the inner walls of the church, several layers of frescoes were found, the earliest of which belong to the X century. Nowadays, a museum is located in the temple, and permanent worships are held.

The Roman amphitheater of the III-IV centuries, which at one time was considered the largest arena of the Eastern Roman Empire. His area is slightly smaller than the famous Colosseum. The ruins were discovered by chance during the construction of the hotel in 2004. But, despite the indisputable value of the discovery, the hotel was still erected, and the studies of the amphitheater ceased due to lack of funds. Today, ruins are available for visiting.

Basilica dedicated to St. Sophia appeared in the VI century. She survived fires, earthquakes, war and reached our days in an almost destroyed state. Restoration work was carried out at the beginning of the 20th century, then the scientists discovered the ancient burials and its walls. The modern appearance of the cathedral is the result of careful recovery. On the territory of the temple there is a grave of an unknown soldier.

The church of the X-XI centuries is 8 km from Sofia in a small village of Boyana. The construction fell into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. In the XIII and XIX centuries, two additional limits were attached to the church. The building is made of brick and stone. Inside, valuable frescoes of the XI-XVI centuries and the painting of the XIX century are preserved. The temple has come to this day almost in perfect condition, managed to avoid destruction during wars.

The church was erected for the needs of the Russian community, the number of which in Sofia increased significantly after the completion of the Russian-Turkish war in 1878. The temple was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of a destroyed market mosque. Church dome as a gift to the parish was presented by the Russian emperor Nicholas II. The building is built in the eclectic pseudorous style on the project M. Preobrazhensky.

Holy Week is the second name of the Martyr Kiriakia Nikomidia. It is believed that the very first church in her honor was built in the X century. It was a building on a stone foundation with wooden walls. The church received the status of the Cathedral in the XVIII century after the remains of King Stephen II were transported here. The modern temple on the site of the dilapidated built in 1863.

The Jewish temple is one of the most picturesque architectural structures of Sofia. It was erected for the community of Sephardic Jews on the project of the architect F. Gruneager at the beginning of the 20th century. The architectural style of the building is a mixture of Moorish traditions and a Vienna modern. Just so to enter the synagogue will not work, but there is an opportunity to visit a small museum dedicated to the history of Bulgarian Jews.

Research institution founded in 1948. The Archaeological Museum has existed since 1892 and is the oldest in Bulgaria. It has the most rich collection of ancient artifacts in the Balkans. The exposition is located in the building of the former Mosque of the XV century Buyuk-Jamia. The research institute refers to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, it employs several dozen scientists.

The museum was founded in 1973. In 2000, the collection moved to a modern building. The exposition contains more than 650 thousand items and artifacts of different eras. It is divided into historical, ethnographic and archaeological part. Visitors can inspect the collection of decorations, weapons, coins, furniture, religious utensils and items. The medieval Boyan Church is also part of the historical museum.

In the Museum of Natural History Sofia, the largest animal, insect, birds, as well as samples of minerals are presented in the Balkans. The collection was founded in 1889 with the assistance of Prince Ferdinand. The scientific activity of the Museum staff is aimed at learning and preserving the flora and fauna of Bulgaria. Much is done in the framework of programs for improving environmental and environmental protection.

The exposition consists of works of art created in the period from 1944 to 1989, when the era of socialism was coming in Bulgaria. The museum complex includes an art gallery, a park with monumental sculptures in the style of social immunity and video, where viewers can watch documentary tapes. The museum was founded in 2011 by decree of the ruling coalition of Bulgaria - the Union of Democratic Forces.

The museum is located on the territory of the Military Academy and belongs to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense. Part of its exposure, consisting of military equipment, is located in the open sky, the other is in the premises. Most of the collection consists of Soviet devices, there are also several Czech, German and French tanks. The museum employs the thematic library and computer center.

The exhibition hall appeared in 1948. To date, its collection has several thousand items. The exposition consists of three parts: Christian art of the XVIII-XIX centuries, the National Bulgarian Art and the art of the middle ages. The museum has several branches. One of them is located on the territory of the temple-monument of Alexander Nevsky. The main branch is posted in the former Tsarist Palace.

The gallery opened in 1985 in the building of the former printing house, which was erected at the end of the XIX century on the project of the Vienna Masters F. Shvanberg. An extensive collection of the museum is 19 exhibition halls and employs more than 10 thousand items. There is a Picasso, Renuara, Rembrandt, Goya, Renuara, Rembrandt, and Dali, who used to decorate the walls of the National Art Gallery, and then were transferred to the gift.

The building was built in 1981 at the initiative of the daughter of the Secretary General of the CPB Lyudmila Zhikkov. The complex consists of 8 floors and several tens of halls. It is intended for exhibitions, congresses, concerts and other cultural events. The interior of the structure is generously decorated with mosaic, as well as works by painting and sculpture. A picturesque park with fountains and canals is broken around the palace.

The main theater of Bulgaria was built in 1906. The building suffered greatly during World War II, but after the 1945 restoration, the residents of the capital began to rely on their festive appearance. The repertoire of the scene consists of works of eminent world authors. A lot in the schedule of Pieces of Bulgarian writing. The theater was named after an outstanding poet, the true "patriarch" of national literature I. Vazova.

The first opera troupe appeared in Sofia in 1980, but due to the lack of funding, it existed for a long time. The rebirth of the scene occurred in 1908 after several successful prime ministers. In 1922, the theater was assigned the status of the national. The first ballet performance was held on his stage in 1928. The repertoire of the theater consists of classical works of European and Russian composers.

The university is called in honor of one of the founders of the Slavic writing of St. Clement Ohrid. This educational institution is considered the most prestigious in the country. It is located in the 1934 building erected in the Renaissance style. A. Breanson worked on the initial project, later the architect J. Milanov introduced his edits into the plan, adding elements of expressive baroque and eclectics to it.

The main legislative body of Bulgaria meets in a picturesque building of 1886, the construction, which is attracted to architectural monuments. It was elevated in the neo-source style according to the project K. Yovanovich. In 1890 and 1928, additional premises were attached to the construction and the central entrance with the columns. The palace is located in the heart of Sofia on the Square of the People's Assembly.

The monument decorated the capital of Bulgaria in 2000. The sculpture was installed on the site of the demolished monument V. I. Lenin. The holy Sophia of the work of the sculptor George Chapsynova symbolizes wisdom and God's grace. She seemed to stretch her hands over the city. In her features you can guess the appearance of the ancient Greek goddess Athena. In height, the sculpture reaches 8 meters. A five-ton sculpture stands on a 12-meter pedestal.

In the very center of Sofia, an impressive monument to the Russian emperor Alexander II was established. Bulgarians highly appreciate the Russian king's contribution to the liberation of their country from Ottoman rule. The monument was erected at the beginning of the XX century. The opening of the monument took place in the presence of King Ferdinand I and the Grand Duke Vladimir - Alexander II Son. The figure of the squeezing on the horse of the emperor is made of bronze and strengthened on the granite pedestal.

The picturesque city park in the center of Sofia, which residents call the Boris Garden. It was created at the end of the XIX century on the initiative of one Swiss gardener. By 1924, the territory of the park increased almost twice, fountains, rosary, pond and a Japanese garden appeared. In the middle of the 20th century, the observatory was built here. Today, tourists and residents of the capital are visiting this green oasis.

Boyan waterfall is located on the slopes of the mountain range Vitosha. In clear weather, it can even be seen from the center of Sofia. The jet of water will be lowered from a height of 15 meters and break about the stones with thousands of splashes. Especially full stream becomes after melting of snow when the water level in the nourishing threshold of the river reaches the maximum mark. Before the waterfall can be reached by several pleasure trails.

Mountain chain in the vicinity of Sofia, stretching for a length of 19 km. On its territory is the eponymous National Park. The highest peak of Vitoshi is a mountain of black-ous (more than 2,200 meters). The first climbers climbed to the vertices of Vitoshi at the end of the XIX century. Today, there is a popular ski resort with a total length of the tracks about 30 km.

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.

And what sights of Sofia did you like? Next to the photography there are icons by clicking on which you can estimate this or that place.

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.

The most popular attractions in Sofia with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous Sofia sites on our website.

Individual and group

Sofia (Bulgaria) is not only the largest city in the country, but also its capital. Every year, local attractions attend a large number of tourists. Travelers attracts the most beautiful architecture of historic buildings in this city, harmoniously combined with modern infrastructure.

Sofia (Bulgaria) is considered to be a cultural center of the state. The population here has more than one and a half million. At the same time, about 20 educational institutions giving higher education are located in the city. The Metropolitan Opera House, which was founded at the end of the 19th century, is famous for the whole world. Those who are interested in Bulgaria, Sofia will not leave indifferent, because in this city you can get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the local population.

In the capital, travelers can visit the philharmonic, enjoy the sounds of classical music in the conservatory. In addition, tourists are encouraged to visit local museums. One of the largest is historical. Also interesting exposure in ethnographic, archaeological, zoological museums.

Surprisingly location of the city of Sofia (Bulgaria). The photo of the capital show all the beauty of not only local architecture, but also of nature, spread around.

Megapolis is at the foot of the Vitoshi Mountain, the slopes of which in the 20th century were turned into

In the city itself there are also many parks and squares. Green lovers will be delighted with local vegetation.

One of the most ancient buildings of the capital is considered the church of St. Sophia.

It is believed to 5-6 centuries, and it is considered a visiting card of the modern city. All travelers are primarily aimed at an excursion to this temple.

Presents interest to tourists and the church of St. George. The unique atmosphere and beautiful murals and frescoes will like almost all travelers who are interested in the city there are also Turkish mosques, the walls of which have been for several centuries.

Boulevard Vitosha, who begins near the Cathedral, is the most beautiful boulevard. By many numerous shopping galleries, it stretches directly to the area of \u200b\u200bthe Palace of Culture. The city of Sofia (Bulgaria) is considered one of the most beautiful European cities. Tourists are encouraged to visit the quarter on the southwestern outskirts, which is the name of Boyana. He is adjacent directly to the foot of Vitoshi, and there is a small church, which UNESCO brought to the list of world heritage. Wall mural here date back to the 13th century.

Mountain itself is a great place to winter holiday. It has hotels with developed infrastructure, lifts, viewing platforms. After the occurrence of the season, this terrain is quite lively. Tourists go to Vitosha from all over the world.

Sofia (Bulgaria) annually attracts a huge number of travelers. And not in vain, because all the conditions for cultural recreation have been created here, walks on the most beautiful places and dating with the history of the country. In the city you can meet a huge number of monuments of church and historical architecture.