10 Great Things to See in Sofia

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Sofia: A Beautiful Blend of Cultural Styles

Many people have not venture out to Bulgaria, favoring many other European destinations. But Bulgaria has quite a few beautiful gems, Sofia being one of them. Tucked away in the mountains, this city on a hill blends a variety of different styles, making it a noteworthy beauty. Here are some great things to see in Sofia:

Sofia Sunset

10. Borisova gradina: this huge park near the city center is a great place to get lost in nature. With so many different paths and so much area to cover, it is a nice escape from the busy city. From a small forest to sports facilities, this park has got everything to enjoy the outdoors in the city.

Banya Bashi Mosque

9. Banya Bashi Mosque: built in the 16th Century by the Ottoman Empire, this mosque is an old beauty. The inside is absolutely beautiful with tiled blue walls and a beautiful tiled dome ceiling. The area surrounding the mosque is also quite enjoyable with a fountain and a small park.

Streets of Sofia

8. Russian Church: built in 1914, this Russian Orthodox Church is to be admired for its brightly colored steeple and golden domes. The inside is also equally as beautiful with ornate gold decorating the interior. This church, like many, is worth the look inside.

National Palace of Culture

7. Ivan Vazov National Theatre: opened in 1907, this ornate theatre is worth the stop. It is the National Theatre of Bulgaria absolutely beautiful. Although it is hard to get inside when there is no show, try to book tickets for something that interests you to catch a glimpse of the beautiful interior. If not, sit in the park outside the theatre to enjoy its external beauty while also enjoying the small park.

Kambantie Park Monument

6. Saint Sofia Church: the story goes that as people climbed the hill to visit the city in Bulgaria, they were first greeted with the sight of the Church of Saint Sofia. People then began referring to the city as Sofia, in reference to the church, and the name stuck. The church was built between the 4th and 6th Centuries, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. Head inside to admire its very ancient beauty.

Church of Saint George

5. Church of St. George: this is the oldest building in Sofia as it was built in the 4th Century. This Christian church is tucked behind a few hotels, but is worth the moment to stop and admire its beauty. It seems that every church in Sofia is built in a completely different style, making you admire the different beauty of each one.

Kambantie Park Bells

4. Kambantie Park: although not even close to the top of the list for many people, this unique, but run down park, offers a rare memorial. Dedicated to the peace of children, the communist state of Bulgaria asked for each nation to send a bell to represent their country's dedication to peace for children. This touching memorial is worth the hike and the trip outside the city center to be reminded of the beauty of countries working together towards peace.

Kambantie Park

3. Knyazheska Garden: this garden in the city center is full of statues and memorials to Bulgaria's communist past as well as the Soviet involvement with Bulgaria in World War II. Head hear for an interesting look into the communist past of Bulgaria that left a lasting impact or to just enjoy a green park in the old city center.

The Bells of Sveta Nedelya Cathedral

2. Sveta Nedelya Cathedral: this cathedral off of the main street of Sofia is a treat for the eyes and the ears. Listening in the evening for the beautiful bells sounding and head inside during the day to admire the beautiful painted ceilings. This Eastern Orthodox Church was built in medieval times but has been destroyed many times, making you appreciate the effort to preserve its beauty.

Sveta Nedelya Cathedral

1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: built in the Neo-Byzantine style, this Bulgarian Orthodox church dominates the city skyline. It is powerful, massive,  and impressive, and the inside is even more beautiful. Take a movement to sit down and appreciate the beautiful paintings on the ceilings.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral seen from above