Sofia for Beginners
28-05-2009
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Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a place most people only travel through on their way to the ski- or summerresorts of Bulgaria.
But why not treat yourself to a different experience. Take a couple of days off, find a cheap flight ticket to Sofia on Travelmarket and discover a city awakening from years of slumber to become a young, dynamic, confident capital.
I Sofia east meet west and golden onion domes, mosques and monuments from the time behind the Iron Curtain stand side by side with modern shopping malls, glitzy casinos and exclusive bars. Last but not least, the slopes of the Vitosha Mountain where Sofia’s inhabitants go for the weekend rise over city contributing much to the city’s atmosphere.
But where to start? Here are a few tips to get you started:
Vitosha Boulevard or Vitoshka, the 22nd most expensive shopping street in the world. You will find the leading brands in fashion, luxury goods as well as displays by leading fashion designers.
The Mineral Baths: Sofia was originally founded beside a number of mineral springs and still today, the mineral baths are among Sofia’s prime characteristics. The buildings of Sofia’s public mineral baths are kept in Art Nouveau with Bulgarian, Byzantine and Orthodox influences.
Mehanas, Bulgarian tavernas or wine cellars. This is where you will find real, Bulgarian food! The furniture is often rustic in style, there are candles on the tables and fire in the fireplace.
The Largo, three building complexes in the so called Socialist Classicist style. The Largo was originally built in the 1950’s to be Sofia’s new representative centre, i.e. the Bulgarian Communist Party’s headquarters. Today, the buildings are used by the National Congress of Bulgaria, the big department store TZUM and Sheraton Hotel.
St. George Church (see image above): Behind the extensive Largo complex, in the courtyard of the Sheraton Hotel, lies a small, round red-brick church from the 4th Century. This is the St George Church, Sofia’s oldest building. Pop in to see frescos in the central dome dating back to the Middle Ages.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Sofias many beautiful churches, absolutely worth a visit. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Sofia’s Russian-Orthodox Cathedral and boasts a 45 m tall, gold covered dome.
TZUM, Sofia’s oldest and largest department store is situated in the Largo complex and was built in 1955-56 as a warehouse for the people. Today, TZUM is privately owned and you will find most of the big internationally recognized brands.
Boyana is a beautiful little village at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain, a mere 15 minutes drive from the city centre. The village church dates back to the 10th century and has some beautiful frescos.
This was just a few introductory hints to get you started. Now you are ready to explore Sofia and remember that the little places that you discover on your own are what makes your holiday special.
Enjoy your trip!
Foto: Bulgarian State Agency for Tourism
But why not treat yourself to a different experience. Take a couple of days off, find a cheap flight ticket to Sofia on Travelmarket and discover a city awakening from years of slumber to become a young, dynamic, confident capital.
I Sofia east meet west and golden onion domes, mosques and monuments from the time behind the Iron Curtain stand side by side with modern shopping malls, glitzy casinos and exclusive bars. Last but not least, the slopes of the Vitosha Mountain where Sofia’s inhabitants go for the weekend rise over city contributing much to the city’s atmosphere.
But where to start? Here are a few tips to get you started:
Vitosha Boulevard or Vitoshka, the 22nd most expensive shopping street in the world. You will find the leading brands in fashion, luxury goods as well as displays by leading fashion designers.
The Mineral Baths: Sofia was originally founded beside a number of mineral springs and still today, the mineral baths are among Sofia’s prime characteristics. The buildings of Sofia’s public mineral baths are kept in Art Nouveau with Bulgarian, Byzantine and Orthodox influences.
Mehanas, Bulgarian tavernas or wine cellars. This is where you will find real, Bulgarian food! The furniture is often rustic in style, there are candles on the tables and fire in the fireplace.
The Largo, three building complexes in the so called Socialist Classicist style. The Largo was originally built in the 1950’s to be Sofia’s new representative centre, i.e. the Bulgarian Communist Party’s headquarters. Today, the buildings are used by the National Congress of Bulgaria, the big department store TZUM and Sheraton Hotel.
St. George Church (see image above): Behind the extensive Largo complex, in the courtyard of the Sheraton Hotel, lies a small, round red-brick church from the 4th Century. This is the St George Church, Sofia’s oldest building. Pop in to see frescos in the central dome dating back to the Middle Ages.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Sofias many beautiful churches, absolutely worth a visit. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Sofia’s Russian-Orthodox Cathedral and boasts a 45 m tall, gold covered dome.
TZUM, Sofia’s oldest and largest department store is situated in the Largo complex and was built in 1955-56 as a warehouse for the people. Today, TZUM is privately owned and you will find most of the big internationally recognized brands.
Boyana is a beautiful little village at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain, a mere 15 minutes drive from the city centre. The village church dates back to the 10th century and has some beautiful frescos.
This was just a few introductory hints to get you started. Now you are ready to explore Sofia and remember that the little places that you discover on your own are what makes your holiday special.
Enjoy your trip!
Foto: Bulgarian State Agency for Tourism
