The Thracian tribe Serdi was drawn here by the warm mineral springs during the VIII century B.C. This was what gave the town its first name – Serdica. During the Roman Empire (I- IV century A.C.) the city thrived as the centre of the province Inner Thracia. Emperor Constantine the Great itself said for the city that: “Serdica is my Rome”
In the beginning of the XII century the Bulgarian Khan Krum (803-814) conquered Serdica and the town became part of the First Bulgarian State. Тhe name of the city was changed to “Sredets” which in Bulgarian perfectly describes its middle location in the Bulgarian lands. At 1382 Sofia was once again conquered but this time by the Ottomans. The city gets its freedom back on the 4th of January 1878. Nowadays the residents and guests of the city can make a journey back to this memorable moment by paying a visit to the small park in front of St. Sofia Basilica where on a tree for more than 130 years remains the bell with which was announced Sofia’s freedom. One year later – 1879 – Sofia was chosen to be the capital of the new Bulgarian state.
From the XV century is the last and current name of the town – Sofia (Αγία Σοφία-Wisdom of God). The name was given after the St. Sofia Basilica because during the Middle Age times it was the first thing which the arriving travelers were seeing when approaching the city.
Today Sofia is the largest Bulgarian city, the 13th largest capital in the European Union, as well as the major administrative, industrial and transport centre in the country.
The city has preserved many monuments from the past centuries: St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the remnants of the fortress and the old town of Serdica, St. George Rotonda, etc. In the heart of the city is the so called “Quadrangle of tolerance” which comprises of 4 temples of almost entirely different religions: the Christian church St. Nedelya, the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Synagogue (largest one in Bulgaria) and the Catholic temple St. Joseph. Among the other notable locations are the Eagle’s and the Lion’s bridge, as well as monuments of some of the Bulgarian fighters for freedom, such as Vasil Levski, after who is named the National Stadium.
Most of the architectural and historical landmarks worth visiting are located in the centre of the city on a walking distance from each other. Of course in order to gain more detailed and interesting information it is advisable that you visit these inspiring places with an experienced guide.
www.freesofiatour.com
And one other interesting fact about the city is that the town’s holiday is on the 17th of September which is also the day of St. Sofia and her three daughters Vyara, Nadezhda and Lyubov (Faith, Hope and Love).
A lot can be written and said about the town’s history but we should also introduce you to the more modern and contemporary side of Sofia – the town how we know it today. Hometown for many people, full of hidden charming small streets, theaters, parks, neat and lovely restaurants and bakeries, places to relax or have fun.
Let’s start with our green “treasure” – the parks. We strongly recommend all our guests to take a walk in one of them, especially during the warmer months, but every season has its charms after all. This is one of the best ways to get a closer look into the habits of the locals and to experience the feeling to be a citizen of Sofia. The closest park to the pedestrian boulevard Vitosha is the park in front of the National Palace of Culture which with its fountains is the perfect place for a meeting of any kind, also close to all types of public transport. The National Palace of Culture was finished in 1981 and is the largest Bulgarian exhibition centre, also used for concerts and similar cultural events.
In the southern part of the city you can find the South Park, which has a couple of lakes with ducks to feed, spacious grass fields perfect for a picnic, long alleys suitable for relaxing walk or a bicycle ride. There you can seek escape under the cool shadow of the old trees away from the noise of the centre. It is located close to Bulgaria Blvd. and the centre of the city.
Even closer to downtown Sofia is Borisova Garden – the park which you might see on your way from the airport to the main centre of the city. It was named after the king Boris III (1894-1943). Here as well you can find alleys, benches to sit and relax football fields and also 2 famous artificial lakes: the lake with the Lilies and Ariana Lake, where during the summer visitors can make a short boat ride and during the winter – ice skate. If you are lucky you might have the chance to attend some cultural or musical event at the small theatrical stage in the middle of the garden.
On a short walking distance are the park of the Military army where young people go to skate, Doctor’s garder which is just behind Sofia University and the Zaimov Park where you can roller-skate, have a drink or meal.
Of course if you chose instead of a walk in the park to attend a cultural event it is also a very wise choice.
Sofia has a wide variety of theatres, galleries, movie cinemas and one major Opera house. For their extensive program you can check: Programata.bg и Go Guide).
After such long and full of happenings tour it is normal to search for a place to eat and try Bulgarian cuisine. This is one of the strongest sides of our nation which can be proud of the rich variety of salads, soups, stews, baked goods and also specific meals typical for different parts of the country.
We advise on visiting a restaurant where you can find something local prepared in classic Bulgarian style in order to experience the true taste of our dishes and take one step further into Bulgarian atmosphere.
www.izbite.com
www.magernitsa.com
You might also find interesting to join Food Sofia tour or an initiative called Balkan Bites. More detailed information you can find: balkanbites.bg. A favourite place many of you mind find in Sun and Moon vegetarian restaurant and bakery: www.sunmoon.bg/bakery
We are happy to share with you that in Sofia recently were opened many new places with modern and tastefully designed interior which deserve very good review for their menu and service. This applies for restaurants and also for bars and coffees as well. Along with that we cannot miss the fact that we Bulgarians have a long tradition in wine producing (and drinking!) so you should definitely try a glass of one of the various Bulgarian red or white wines.
Sofia has something to offer for everyone, so we are sure that you will find a favourite place to eat and have a drink here and may be you will encounter it not by advanced search, but spontaneously and by chance, which is how usually the best experiences in Sofia happen!
Strongly recommended place to try Bulgarian or of course Englush beer is JJ Murphy's, which has its own special spirit: www.jjmurphys.bg
In case you would like to take a beer and enjoy it in the apartment where you are staying a good choice is the shop 100 beers, located in Lozenets neighborhood.
www.100beers.bg
Our team sincerely wishes that all our guests enjoy Sofia at least as much as we do and to discover it for themselves again with something new every time they visit. As we are not able to tell you everything we would like, we will be around if you want to ask something. So here ends our story. And yours begin.
We wish you a pleasant stay with Vitosha Apartments.
We appreciate very much your feedback so please feel free to share your experiences and emotions from your time in Sofia here. And the nice and memorable times you can share on our facebook pages:
https://www.facebook.com/vitoshaapartments/timeline
https://www.facebook.com/bgaccommodations/timeline
Below you will find a couple of useful links to contact some of our partners and friends. For more detailed information you can ask us at reception or write us an email. For sure we will help you find a nice and pleasant place for you!
programata.bg, sofialive.bg, sunmoon.bg, sofia green tour, free sofia tour, info-sofia.bg,
www.sinoptik.bg/sofia-bulgaria-100727011/10-days
