The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia is located in a mountain valley, at the foot of the Vitosha Mountains. It belongs to the cities that in recent years have become increasingly popular among tourists, and attracts them above all in the footsteps of ancient multiculturalism and monuments over 1000 years old.
The origins of Sofia date back to the 6th century BC, when the area was inhabited by Thracian tribes. In the following centuries it gradually came under the rule of the Greeks and Romans, until in the 5th century AD they were invaded by the Huns. From the late Roman period, St. Rotunda was preserved in Sofia. George, converted into a mosque in the 16th century. Today it is a church-museum.
From the 7th century, Sofia was a Bulgarian stronghold, which was periodically devastated by the invasions of Serbs and Hungarians. To this day, the church of the Holy Wisdom and the 11th century church, partly reconstructed in the 20th century, survived from this period, covered with medieval frescoes, the Boja Church, which is now on the UNESCO list.
In 1382, Sofia, together with almost all of Bulgaria, came under Ottoman rule, which lasted until 1878. At that time, the city changed its character to the eastern one, and the mosques, caravanserai and bathhouses that are present today appear in the buildings. The end of Turkish rule and regaining independence was possible thanks to the help of Russia. To celebrate her, the Alexander Nevsky church was built in Sofia.
Sofia's attraction is also its location at the Feet of Vitosha. The mountains are a natural resting place for residents both in winter and summer. There are ski slopes and lifts thanks to which you can reach popular trails.
