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Sofia History Overview
Around 600BC present day Sofia was called Sardica after the Serdi (Thracian) living there. A hundred years later another tribe the Serdi settled there before it was renamed by the Romans as Ulpia Serdica in AD29 who developed the city in traditional Roman style. In 447 it was renamed Triaditsa after being rebuilt by the Byzantines having been destroyed by the Huns. In 809 it became part of the first Bulgarian Empire and given the Slavic name Sredets - an important military fortress.
In 1018 it was recaptured by the Byzantines before becoming part of the Bulgarian Empire again in 1128. It became a centre for craft and trade centre and was renamed Sofia in 1376. During the Middle Ages it became a centre for goldsmiths and other minerals which were sourced in the nearby Vitosha mountain. In 1382 it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire and became popular with migrating Muslims It was conquered by the Russians in 1878 and a year later granted autonomous status as the Principality of Bulgaria. In 1908 it became the capital of the Kingdom of Bulgaria. In 1925 a terrorist attack on the St Nedelya Church by communist sympathisers killing 150 and injuring over people. During WW2 its Government became an ally of the Nazis and it was bombed in 1943 and 1944 by the Allies.
At the end of the war it was occupied by the Red Army who installed a pro-soviet government. Sofia was now the capital of the Peoples Republic of Bulgaria. Following the end of Ottoman rule architects from Austria and Hungary were commissioned to design Sofia's new buildings. Today the buildings in central Sofia are a mixture of Vienna Secession, Neo-Baroque, Neo -Classicism, Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Rocco.
Sofia City Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information
Official Sofia Tourist Office / Board
Sightseeing & Attractions in Sofia
Apartment & Hotel Accommodation In Sofia
Sightseeing and Attractions in Sofia
This city, where a night out once centred around a walk in the park and a coffee has changed dramatically over the last decade. As one of Eastern Europe's oldest and unspoilt cities it offers visitors some rare architectural sights by day, and numerous bars at night which open and close at their own volition as there are no licensing laws, and 24 hour shops are no longer a rarity.
Sofia is known to have existed 1,000 years BC and the oldest building in the city is the St George Rotunda a former Roman Temple. One of the most intriguing buildings is The Alexandar Nevski Cathedral with its copper & gold domes. It was built a century ago as a memorial to the Russian soldiers who liberated Bulgaria from the rule of the Ottoman Empire. It architecture includes traditional Byzantine qualities and Muscovite themes. In the streets surrounding this memorial there are several small museums and galleries. Art Gallery
Close By In the southern part of the city The Kremikovtsi Monastery is ordained with fresco which are good examples of classical art. Also 12km to the south of the city there is the Mount Vitosha Outdoor pursuits centre where also an amazing overview of Sofia can be seen from Mount Vitosha itself.
Restaurants In Sofia
There is an ever increasing number of restaurants to choose from and many offer live music with the meal. The most notable of these appear to be the Chevermeto 106 Maria Lousi Boulevard and Vodenitzata which is in Dragalevtzi in an old mill. Eating out in Sofia is comparable price wise to eating out in Prague or Krakow.
Sofia Cafes
The 800,000 people who live in Sofia have dozens of cafes to choose from. In and around the Vitosha Boulevard these cafes dominate the main roads and the restaurants are mainly found in the side streets.This is a good city to chill out in and smokers are unlikely to find cheaper tobacco anywhere in Europe.
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| Sofia Night Life - Nightclubs Music Dance |
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Sofia has a rapidly developing nightlife with many bars and clubs open to the early hours. Two that are worth noting are firstly the Beer Hall Schweik at 6 Karnigradska Ulica. This establishment has a wide selection of imported beers and definitely a 'Czech' ambience about it. The other which is possibly the best bar in town is The Military Club at 8 Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard which is generally open until 5am. Apart from a very large selection of Whisky and Bourbon it also sells a selection of local wines.
Sofia Live Music Bars & Clubs
Since the fall of Communism these have become very popular with the local population irrespective of age. One club in particular Bourbon St at 114 Vassiu Levski Boulevard has a particularly good reputation for featuring live bands. Its offerings include Blues, Jazz and Rock & Roll. Those in the know say this one is well worth checking out.
Sofia - Irish Pubs As Well!
J. Murphy & Company at 6 Karnigradska St, is a friendly bar. The range of beers is not as extensive as you might expect but the food served is good. Sports enthusiasts who like watching the big screen in a very western atmosphere will find The Fox & Hounds at 34 Awal Kancheu Tr homely!
Crime & Personal Safety & Security in Sofia / Bulgaria
Occasional gang wars may occur in Sofia and other cities but these rarely involve tourists. In Sofia pick pocketing often involving groups of very young children is an increasing problem in city centres and walkways under the road. Some would be beggars are actually pick-pockets. Black Sea holiday resorts are also prone to pick pockets and thefts from hotel rooms. Throughout Bulgaria car theft is common especially in respect of four wheel drives and upmarket models.
| Accommodation In Sofia Hotels & Apartments etc |
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