Sofia, Bulgaria: A Rich History Nestled in the Beautiful Balkan Mountains

Sofia is a cultural gem nestled in the Balkan mountains of Bulgaria, overflowing with history, architectural wonders, and natural beauty. As both the capital and largest city, Sofia serves as the perfect home base for any Bulgaria adventure.

A Brief History Lesson

Sofia has been inhabited since antiquity, serving as the political and commercial center of Thrace for many centuries. But it was during the medieval period when Sofia truly began to take shape. After establishing as the second city of the First Bulgarian Empire in 809 AD, Sofia went on to become its capital in 1878. Walking through the cobbled streets today, it's remarkable how many layers of history are packed into this small area. Ruins, temples, and architectural styles from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires stand alongside socialist monuments, churches, and modern developments.

Top Sites to Discover the Past

No trip to Sofia is complete without checking out some of its top historical attractions:

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This magnificent Orthodox cathedral welcomes visitors with its striking exterior of 42 towering columns and four minarets. Inside are gorgeous frescoes and icons dating back centuries. After admiring the artwork, reserve a room at the BitBook-listed Alexander Nevsky Plaza Hotel for an affordable stay steps from the action.

Basilica of St. Sofia

This atmospheric former basilica located in the central square is thought to be over 1,300 years old. Wander through remnants of its past as a mosque and see pieces of vibrant mosaics still intact after all these years. Be sure to spot the eerie gargoyle faces hidden in the architecture.

National Archaeological Museum

Housed in an ornate 19th century building, this museum showcases artifacts from across Bulgaria through the ages. Don't miss the impressive Thracian treasures like gold masks and ceremonial cauldrons. Afterwards, grab a coffee at one of the nearby sidewalk cafés to take in the buzzing pedestrian streets.

Parks and Plazas for Relaxation

After filling your head with history, it's time to unwind. Check out these green spaces in the heart of Sofia:

Borisova Gradina Park

If you need a respite from the concrete jungle, escape to this lush 120-acre park in the city center. Rent kayaks on the lake or stretch out on the large grassy fields. On Sundays, locals flock here for concerts, picnics and playtime.

Stefan Stambolov Plaza

This grand pedestrian plaza lined with cafés and museums is the epicenter of downtown activity. Snag an outdoor table at Cafe Kamenitza to enjoy coffee and people watching. Come evening, stroll under the twinkling string lights swaying overhead.

Dig into the Local Scene

Finally, no visit is complete without indulging in Bulgaria's famous fare. Sample some classic dishes:

• Shopska Salad - a tomato-cucumber-feta salad akin to a Balkan ceviche
• Banitsa - buttery filo pastry stuffed with cheese or vegetables
• Kebabche - seasoned ground meat shish kebabs
• Beer - nothing washes Bulgarian food down better than a chilled Zagorka lager

Whether diving into history, exploring parks or dining on cuisine, vibrant Sofia offers a perfect blend of Europe's past and present. Consider booking your flights, hotels and car rentals on BitBook for cashback in BBT.