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Sofia Maps & Attractions Guide
Sofia maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Sofia
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Sofia
Attractions - Things to do
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 |
4. National Ethnographic Museum
6A Moskovska Street
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What is it? The National Ethnographic Museum has one of
the richest collections on the Balkan Peninsula representing the
traditions, arts, crafts and lifestyle of the Bulgarian people from
the 17th to the 20th century. The museum contains a wealth of
exhibits from around the country, including national costumes,
jewellery, art works and musical instruments. It is also a popular
cultural and educational centre. A craft shop sells crafts and
other traditional Bulgarian items from all over
Bulgaria.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am to 5.30pm
Phone:(0)2 874 191 |
5. Vitosha Mountain
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What is it? Rising above Sofia, Vitosha Mountain is one
of the symbols of the capital and is the most visited mountain in
Bulgaria. Starting from where the suburbs end, the whole mountain
has been designated a national park, the oldest in the Balkans, and
is home to deer, bear, wild boar, fox and a variety of rare birds.
Vitosha is known for its 'stone rivers', or moraines, piles of huge
rounded granite boulders carried and deposited by glaciers
thousands of years ago, as well as for its curative mineral
springs. It is popular during any season and the well-known resort
of Aleko is the most established winter ski resort offering modern
hotels and ski facilities within easy reach of the
capital.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Sofia Holidays guide
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Transport -The centre of Sofia is easily accessible
by public transport, which includes buses, trams and trolleybuses.
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