subject: Beautiful Sofia Bulgaria [print this page] Sofia is Bulgaria's capitalSofia is Bulgaria's capital. The city features some of the finest ancient churches and buildings in Europe. One of the most famous of these structures is St. Sofia Church that dates back, astoundingly, between 4th - 6th century.
The church's long and colorful history saw occupations and natural disasters one after another. It was converted into a mosque when the city was invaded by the Turks but was again converted back to an orthodox church after a portion of it was destroyed by an earthquake a little short of a half a century later. But it remains standing proud to this day, which earned it the reputation of being a miraculous church.
St. George's rotunda church is another remarkable ancient edifice in Sofia. It dates back to the 4th century and considered as the oldest building in the area. It is perfectly located in the middle of the ancient ruins of the town of Serdica. The church is a must visit not only for its splendid architecture and long standing history but also for the exquisite medieval frescoes that were inadvertently discovered under its plaster covering.
After your survey of ancient buildings, mix in some modern variation in the form of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is a magnificent five-nave cathedral built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died for Bulgaria's liberation back in 1878. Check out its stunning frescoes, stained glass windows and impressive stone and wood carvings. Also you may want to check out the church's crypts. Well, crypts may not exactly be in the list of usual tourist attractions. However, you have to make an exception where Alexander Nevsky is concerned. Its cathedral's underground is home to some of the finest collections of icon paintings spanning the periods of 9th to 18th century that you wouldn't want to miss.
To get a deeper insight to the history and traditions of the Balkan Peninsula and its people, the National Ethnographic Museum is a must visit. It has a fascinating collection of artifacts from the 17th 20th century representing the culture, arts and crafts of the inhabitants of Bulgaria. Its exhibits include a variety of national costumes, musical pieces, jewelry and several works of art. It is also the perfect place for some souvenir shopping.
Another notable point of interest in the area are the piles of gigantic granites believed to have been left behind by drifting glaciers millenniums ago. Vitosha is also home to some fantastic skiing. There are several resorts servicing the area. However, due to its convenient location and easy accessibility, you can move between the capital and Vitosha without breaking a sweat.
Sofia is not just about splendid edifices; it also features the imposing but beautiful Vitosha Mountain. It is the oldest national park in the region and abode to various creatures of the wild. More than its natural diversity, it is frequented by both tourists and locals alike for its mineral springs believed to have curative properties.
You also want to visit the surroundings of Sofia. Bulgaria is a country of rich splendor and each of its regions has something unique to offer. Seaside luxury and excitement is available at the Black Sea Coast while Bulgaria's mountain ranges are perfect jaunts for hiking and skiing in the comforts of prominent climatic and health resorts.
Beautiful Sofia Bulgaria
By: Sunee
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