Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview

Originally known as Serdica, Sofia was founded 3,000 years ago and is still famous for its thermal springs, and an early centre of Christianity. The Turks conquered the city in 1382, but when ousted in 1878, Sofia became the capital and its grand boulevards were constructed. 

Bulgaria became part of the Eastern Bloc after WWII and Sofia went through rapid industrialisation under the Communist regime, with new factories and high-rise apartment blocks. Ever since the regime ended in 1989, Sofia is reclaiming its sense of European elegance and identity. Although the 1990s saw political instability, soaring unemployment, hyperinflation and rampant corruption, today's Bulgaria benefits from accession to the EU in 2007, regaining credibility and economic stability. Sofia is definitely on the up, and the city's motto, ‘Ever growing, never old', is as true today as it ever was. 

Sofia's city centre stands upon the foundations of the original Roman settlement, Serdica, although the remains of this city are several metres below ground level.

The best starting point for a walking tour is ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, Sofia's main traffic hub. From here, a grid of streets radiate out towards the inner ring road, forming an irregular octagon around town. The main attractions are enclosed within this space and are all within walking distance of one another.

From ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, bulvard Maria Louiza runs north, to the city's sole surviving functioning mosque, Banya Bashi Mosque (Kodi Seyfullah Efendi Camii). Close by, the Central Baths, the Central Food Halls and the Synagogue form a hub of early 20th-century monuments.

The boulevard becomes rather less imposing as it travels north towards the Central Station. Just off to the left lies the lively Zhenski Pazar (Women's Market).

The monumental bulvard Tsar Osvoboditel goes past the exquisite St Nicholas Russian Church to arrive at ploshtad Alexander Nevski, overlooked by Sofia's star attraction St Alexander Nevski Memorial Church, and the early Byzantine Church of St Sofia. Along this street are also the Archaeological Museum and National Art Gallery, housed in the former palace.

Tourist Information

Bulgarian State Agency for Tourism
Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya 1
Tel: (02) 933 5845.
Website: www.bulgariatravel.org

The surprisingly little-known state-run tourist office ca provide city maps, leaflets and booklets on tours of the region, as well as the invaluable booklet Sofia In Your Pocket.

Passes

There are currently no tourist passes available in Sofia.