The capital of Bulgaria is the oldest city in Europe. The history of the city is almost three thousand years old. Modern Sofia practically does not differ from the Russian million-plus city, which has preserved its historical center.
Church of Hagia Sophia
Quite an inconspicuous structure with thick walls. Seeing the church for the first time can be mistaken for a museum, a bathhouse, something else, but not the main temple of the capital. After all, it was he who gave Sofia her name. Sofia Bulgaria was erected simultaneously with Hagia Sophia, located in distant Istanbul. The construction of both buildings was initiated by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
You can find it while walking around the city center. The temple, in fact, is a monument to the soldiers, just like the memorial located at the Shipka Pass. The cathedral was built in memory of Russian soldiers who died in the war with the Turks. This is the largest church in Bulgaria, ready to receive five thousand believers at the same time.
Mineral bath
Another attraction of the city, better known as the "Turkish Bath". You should not immediately imagine a nondescript structure. On the contrary, it is a charming architectural gem of Sofia that has sadly fallen into disrepair. The graceful façade and ceramics that have been preserved are reminiscent of the medieval churches of Nessebar. After the completion of the reconstruction, the building will house a civil museum.
The central part of the square between the building of the bathhouse and the Banya Bashi mosque is decorated with a beautiful fountain. Behind the very building of the bathhouse, you can find a whole complex of fountains, from where the locals collect mineral water.
Picture gallery
The National Art Gallery provides an opportunity for visitors to the city to appreciate the work of Bulgarian artists. It houses the largest collection of paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries. The halls display works by Vladimir Dimitrov, the author of the famous orange painting "The Reaper". Be sure to appreciate the beauty of "The Dream of Mary Magdalena" by Goshka Datsov and the trembling canvas by Georgy Mashev "Outcast". On the second floor, there are collections of statuettes belonging to such famous sculptors as Ivan Lazarov, Vaska Emmanuilova and Andrei Nikolov.
Boyana Church
A miniature church is hidden in a cozy green park. You can find it on the very outskirts of the capital at the foot of Vitosha Mountain.
The oldest part of the church dates back to the early 11th century. This applies to its two floors, the rest of the outbuildings appeared only in the middle of the 19th century.
Church frescoes (1259) deserve special attention. By the way, they have been well preserved to this day.
