This year's vacations must include Sofia city breaks. Lovers of Russian culture will find a whole new world of both the old and the new in this modern city of over a million people. Sofia is the 12th largest city in the European Union, offering a lively nightlife and an enriching, historical experience. There are buildings and ruins dating back thousands of years. Put Sofia on your list of places you must visit.
Bask in the holiness of ancient churches
A fine example of Balkan architecture is The Aleksander Nevski memorial church. Built over 42 years beginning in 1882, the church is Sophia's premiere destination. Note the domes and half domes and the remarkable gold leaf, generously given to the congregation by the Soviet Union. The pews seat 5, 000 worshipers. The Boyana Church is surrounded by a quaint garden and inside is a magnificent collection of medieval frescoes. Dating back 600 years, they are so fragile that visitors are only allowed inside for 10 minutes at a time.
Revel in rebirth of Muslim heritage
Banya Bashi mosque is over 425 years old, built in 1576 and is close to Sophia's famous mineral baths. When the Communist government persecuted Muslims in Bulgaria, the mosque was abandoned. It stood in decay for many years but is being renovated using funds from the European Union and is again open for worship. Buyuk Djami, which translated means "Big Mosque" houses the National Archaeological Museum. There exhibits of ancient Thracian, Roman and Greek artifacts belonging to Bulgaria.
Natural heritage preserved in Sofia
On Boulevard Tsar Osvoboditel is Sofia's Natural Science Museum, home to a thriving collection of native animals. It was built in 1889 and houses a comprehensive display of local horticulture and wildlife. A spectacular Russian church is mere steps away from the museum. It was built in 1913 by a Tsarist diplomat who, fearing his immortal doom by worshiping in a Bulgarian church, had his own edifice built. One of its amazing features is an emerald spire and bright yellow tiles.
High on Sofia's mountain
Just 7 km from Sofia's city centre is beautiful Mount Vitosha. You'll stroll through villages in the foothills on the way to this mountain. Vitosha is perfect for hiking or a romantic picnic. In the winter, skiing is offered on Vitosha from December to March. Mix with the locals and don't miss one more nearby attraction. Dragalevtsi, home to an ancient and serene monastery.
Bask in the holiness of ancient churches
A fine example of Balkan architecture is The Aleksander Nevski memorial church. Built over 42 years beginning in 1882, the church is Sophia's premiere destination. Note the domes and half domes and the remarkable gold leaf, generously given to the congregation by the Soviet Union. The pews seat 5, 000 worshipers. The Boyana Church is surrounded by a quaint garden and inside is a magnificent collection of medieval frescoes. Dating back 600 years, they are so fragile that visitors are only allowed inside for 10 minutes at a time.
Revel in rebirth of Muslim heritage
Banya Bashi mosque is over 425 years old, built in 1576 and is close to Sophia's famous mineral baths. When the Communist government persecuted Muslims in Bulgaria, the mosque was abandoned. It stood in decay for many years but is being renovated using funds from the European Union and is again open for worship. Buyuk Djami, which translated means "Big Mosque" houses the National Archaeological Museum. There exhibits of ancient Thracian, Roman and Greek artifacts belonging to Bulgaria.
Natural heritage preserved in Sofia
On Boulevard Tsar Osvoboditel is Sofia's Natural Science Museum, home to a thriving collection of native animals. It was built in 1889 and houses a comprehensive display of local horticulture and wildlife. A spectacular Russian church is mere steps away from the museum. It was built in 1913 by a Tsarist diplomat who, fearing his immortal doom by worshiping in a Bulgarian church, had his own edifice built. One of its amazing features is an emerald spire and bright yellow tiles.
High on Sofia's mountain
Just 7 km from Sofia's city centre is beautiful Mount Vitosha. You'll stroll through villages in the foothills on the way to this mountain. Vitosha is perfect for hiking or a romantic picnic. In the winter, skiing is offered on Vitosha from December to March. Mix with the locals and don't miss one more nearby attraction. Dragalevtsi, home to an ancient and serene monastery.
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