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Sofia Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Sofia
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Sofia Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Sofia - Located in the Sofia Valley, the capital city of
Bulgaria lies at the foot of the Vitosha and Lyulin Mountains, and
is the centre of the country's political, business and cultural
life.
Founded over 7,000 years ago around
numerous hot and cold mineral springs, which are still available
today, Sofia has flourished and declined around a variety of
civilisations. It is one of the oldest settlements in Europe and
numerous archaeological, cultural and historical monuments from its
rich Thracian, Byzantine, Roman, Slav and Turkish history have been
preserved among the modern edifices, the blend of the new and the
old lending a charming quality to the capital.
Despite its modern, cosmopolitan nature, Sofia has a laid
back atmosphere and the proximity of Mount Vistosha, offering a
myriad of recreational opportunities on the city's doorstep, adds
to the relaxed feel of the city. Like any capital city, Sofia also
has a wealth of museums and galleries, and boasts plenty of
cultural entertainment.
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Sofia
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. St Sofia
2 Paris Street
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What is it? St Sofia is the oldest Eastern Orthodox
church in the city, dating from the 4th to 6th century, and is
regarded as one of the most significant examples of early Christian
architecture in the Balkans. In the 14th century the church gave
its name to the city of Sofia, meaning 'holy wisdom'. During the
Turkish rule the church was converted into a mosque, but was
abandoned after two successive earthquakes destroyed one of the
minarets almost 30 years later, and it was again converted into an
orthodox church. Local legends credit St Sofia's miraculous powers
for its protection over the centuries, surviving occupations and
natural disasters to remain as a spiritual inspiration to the
city.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(0)2 870 971 |
2. St George Rotunda
5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya
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What is it? The rotunda church of St George is considered
to be the oldest building in Sofia, dating to the 4th century, and
is situated amid the remains of the ancient Roman town of Serdica.
St George Rotunda is famous for its exquisite architecture and
layers of medieval frescoes that were discovered under a covering
of plaster. The magnificent dome is protected by UNESCO and the
church functions at present as a museum.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am to 1pm and 3pm to
5.30pm
Phone:(0)2 981 6541 |
3. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
1 St Alexander Nevsky Square
www.sofia.com/culture/churches/nevsky.html |
What is it? One of the finest examples of 20th-century
architecture in Sofia and one of the symbols of the city, the
magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built between 1882 and
1912 to honour the Russian soldiers who died fighting to liberate
Bulgaria from Turkish rule in the war of 1878 under Tsar Alexander
II. The famous church-monument is situated on the tree-lined square
of the same name, which also contains the Monument of the Unknown
Soldier with its eternal flame. The impressive five-nave basilica
houses an interior just as splendid, with mosaics, stained glass
windows, marble and woodcarvings as well as frescoes that cover the
walls and domes. The underground crypt houses the Icon Museum
featuring icon paintings from across the country that represents
masterpieces from the 9th to the 18th
century.
Hours of Operation: Daily 7am to 5.30pm. Museum opens 10am to 6pm; closed
Tuesdays
Phone:(0)2 877 697 |
Sofia
holidays - Top Events
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