Sofia: Bulgaria’s capital of lush parks and domed sanctuaries

In this video, we pay a pre-Covid visit to Sofia, Bulgaria’s laidback and youthful capital, to be found at the centre of the Balkans, midway between the Black and Adriatic seas.

Known as Serdica in antiquity and Sredets in the Middle Ages, Sofia has been inhabited since at least 7,000 BC. The recorded history of the city begins with the conquest of Serdica by the Roman Republic in 29 BC from the Celtic tribe Serdi.

Later, in the twilight years of the Roman Empire, the city was raided by Huns, Visigoths, Avars and Slavs. In 809 Serdica was incorporated into the Bulgarian Empire by Khan Krum, becoming known as Sredets. The Byzantines ended Bulgarian rule in 1018, ruling until 1194, when the city was re-incorporated by the reborn Bulgarian Empire. Sredets became a major administrative, economic, cultural and literary hub, until its conquest by the Ottomans in 1382. Over 1530-1826, it served as regional capital of Rumelia Eyalet, the Ottoman Empire’s key province in Europe, and it wasn’t until 1878 that Bulgarian rule was restored.

Today, conveniently for visitors, most of Sofia’s sights remain centrally located and lie within easy walking distance of each other. Pedestrianised Bulevard Vitosha forms the heart of the shopping district and leads north to the Church of Sveta Nedelya, from where Bulevard Tsar Osvoboditel passes major public buildings, culminating at the neo-Byzantine Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral. Famous for its gold-laden domes, the sanctuary commemorates the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died for Bulgaria’s independence during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78).

As for cultural pursuits, Sofia is home to many of Bulgaria’s finest museums, galleries, restaurants and clubs. For the more sporty or nature-oriented, meanwhile, the ski slopes and hiking trails of mighty Mount Vitosha lie just a short bus ride from Sofia’s centre.

Suggested highlights for your Sofia itinerary include:

• Alexander Nevski Cathedral
• Ancient Serdica Complex
• Archaeological Museum
• Sofia History Museum
• Boyana Church
• Museum of Socialist Art
• Sveta Sofia Church
• Ladies’ Market

View the original video here.

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