subject: Admiring Beautiful Sofia [print this page] Sofia is the largest city in Bulgaria and also the capital city. Over 1.4 million people live here making Sofia a very dynamic city where you can admire some interesting pieces of architecture. The old Communist times can still be remembered because of the buildings erected in the Stalinist style, but old churches can still be spotted. The city is also placed in a unique landscape, as the Vitosha Mountains are located not far away. Skiing is among the activities you can try while in Sofia as it only takes a short ride to get to the mountains.
Sofia is a very old city with a history of over two and half millenniums. It was not always called Sofia as different rulers gave it different names. Next to the city, you will find Boyana Church, a much appreciated vestige of the Eastern European culture. The frescoes on the walls are a clear representation of the style used during the twelve century.
Sofia suffered many turbulent times and it was during the Ottoman rule that it begun to decline. Later on, the Russian liberation followed and Sofia became the capital city of Bulgaria. This was happening towards the end of the 19th century and, after that, the city started a more prosperous path.
Ruins of the old city can still be seen everywhere around the center of Sofia. Among its most appreciated natural riches, you will find its mineral springs, which also represented the reason why a human settlement was founded here. You can reach the most important mineral spring right in the center of the city, at the intersection of two streets: Iskar and Ekzarh Yosif.
You will notice that the center of the city has a unique decorative statement. The streets are decorated with yellow pavement that you do not see just anywhere. This pavement is one century old and was used during the celebrations of the wedding of Tsar Ferdinand.
There are many attractions one can discover while taking a walk on the streets of Sofia. One of them is the National Assembly of Bulgaria, and the Sofia University is another place where tourists stop and visit. The educational life in the capital city of Bulgaria is quite rich since there are many learning institutes present. Another one is the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
For a night at the theater, a good recommendation is Ivan Vazov National Theater. Don't forget to visit the Cyril and Methodius Library, situated on Vasil Levski Street. The Palace of Culture should be on your list as well. This is a congress center and was built in the Communist architectural style. It is nothing but a monolith, reminiscent of other Soviet like buildings, and is the largest structure of its kind in all of the Balkans. Another cultural monument is the Military Club, located right in the center of the city. Here many events are often held.
by: Archie Blazer
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