Steeped in a rich and ancient history, Sofia -- to use the conventional spelling -- could so easily have sat back on its cultural laurels, touting a recycled legacy of Thracian, Ottoman and Soviet rule to its visitors. Instead, this compact capital, once the most important city on the Balkan Peninsula some two millennia ago, continues to win plaudits for its ongoing renaissance, throwing off the remnants of the Iron Curtain yoke without losing its innate identity. The city has already been anointed European Capital of Culture 2019, blending Eastern and Western influences. In short, Sofia’s rise mirrors Bulgaria’s admission to the European Union.
Open Air
- With their cobbles colored a distinctive yellow, the streets of the city’s relatively small center are easy to explore on foot. Walking tours of the city start from the golden statue of St. Sofia, the city’s patron saint, which symbolically took the place formerly occupied by a monument of Lenin. Sofia’s best known green space is the Borisova Gardens, marked at the entrance by a giant monument to the Soviet Army. With its lake, rose garden and flowerbeds, the park is where Sofians come to relax in their down time, as well as the location for the city soccer stadium, hosting a considerably more boisterous passion.
Religious Sites
- Having changed hands among numerous cultures over the centuries, Sofia wears its religious diversity with pride. The city’s most famous landmark is the gold-domed, neo-Byzantine Alexander Nevski Cathedral, which dominates a large cobbled square fringed with trees. The massive church, one of Europe’s largest, was completed in 1912 but houses a collection of historic icons in the crypt. The city’s oldest church, St. George’s Rotunda, dates from the fourth century and was built by the Romans. A short taxi ride from the center to the city outskirts is the medieval Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some outstanding 13th-century frescoes.
Cultural Life
- On the southeast fringes of the city, the Museum of Socialist Art is a fascinating collection of Communist era Lenin statues and iconography, with some interesting old propaganda films. The imposing National Palace of Culture is a vast concert hall and exhibition center in front of Bulgaria Square, frequently hosting exhibitions and performances by top artists. Opposite the city park is the National Art Gallery, which has the country’s largest art collection, including works by the painter Dimitrov. The Archaeological Museum takes a longer view of national history, occupying a 15th-century former mosque. The museum houses artifacts from Roman and Thracian era and church icons from around the country.
Fine Dining
- A mix of Eastern and Central European influences and refined over the centuries by the country’s monasteries among others, authentic Bulgarian cuisine is rich and varied, with national dishes including rabbit stew and kebab. Lonely Planet recommends visiting a city tavern, or mehana, for some Sofia fine dining. Given Bulgaria’s emergence as a wine producing nation, numerous tours run from the city to nearby wineries, such as Domaine Boyar, the country’s first private winery. Head to Vitosha Boulevard after dark to sample Sofia’s animated nightlife. The street is a highly-rated luxury shopping strip by day.
