Sofia
Traveling to and arrival in Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria. Walk in Sofia – one of the oldest European capitals. Her history can be traced back to Neolithic times. Remains of several Neolithic settlements are found on its territory (around today’s Palace, dating back to 5000 BC). In the 7th century BC to the north of the warm mineral spring a Thracian town emerged, named Serdonpolis or Serdika. For a short period of time in the 4th century BC the town has been ruled by Philip II, and after by his son Alexander of Macedonia.
Lunch in the restaurant “Pod Lipite” (“Under the linden trees”) – a place that has kept its magic for almost a century. It is a favorite place of famous and unknown fans of traditional Bulgarian cuisine and drinks. The dishes and appetizers are prepared from products almost entirely grown on the restaurant farm.
The most remarkable places to visit in Sofia:
Cathedral-Memorial “Sveti (St.) Alexander Nevsky” – St. “Alexander Nevsky” Cathedral has gold domes and was built in the early 20th century It is one of the largest Eastern European Orthodox churches in the world. It is 45 m high and the bell itself is 50, 52 m high.
Square “Tsar Osvoboditel” (“Tsar Liberator”) and the National Assembly Building
Church “Sveti Nikolay Tchudotvorets” (“St. Nicolas the Wonderworker”) – The church “Sveti Nikolay Tchudotvorets”, known mostly as the Russian Church, is an Orthodox church in the Bulgarian capital, one of the emblematic buildings of the city. It was built in 1914 in honor of the Russian Tsar Nicholas II. In the crypt of the temple is the tomb of the archbishop Seraphim Sobolev, considered by many Orthodox Christians as a “wonderworker”.
The Sofia Mineral Bath – is located in the city center and was built in the beginning of the 20th century on the site of an old Turkish bath.
Church “Sveti (St.) George” – beginning of the 4th century. The church was built on the foundations of several older churches from the time of the Roman city of Serdica, destroyed by the raids of Goths and Huns. In the second century there was a Roman theater, and in the following centuries several temples were erected. It is a cruciform basilica with a narthex, three naves and three-aisled apse.
Church “Santa (St.) Sophia” – IV century. The church was built on the foundations of several older churches from the time of the Roman city of Serdica, destroyed by the raids of Goths and Huns. In the 2 second century there was a Roman theater, and in the following centuries several temples were erected. It is a cruciform basilica with a narthex, three naves and a three-aisled apse.
Church “Sveti (Saints) Sedmochislenitsi” – 1528 – “Saint Sedmochislenitsi” is a Bulgarian Orthodox church in the capital Sofia, located in the garden between the streets “Tsar Ivan Shishman”, “Graf Ignatiev”, “September 6” and “General Parensov”. During excavations in 1901, remains of an ancient Christian temple of the V-VI century and an even older sanctuary of Asclepius were found. Between 1901 and 1903, the building was rebuilt into a church, sanctified on July 27, 1903.
Church “Saint Nedelya” – 1863 – St. Nedelya is a medieval church that suffered several destructions over the years and was then reconstructed. The most notorious attack was in 1925, when more than 150 people died.
Church “Sveta (St.) Petka Samardziiska” – XI century – The church (chapel) is small, located in the center of the city and was built in the 11th century. The crypt is much older, which means there was a previous ritual building. The church is named at St. Petka Iconiiska, who was the patron of the masters of saddlers (Samardziiska means master of saddlers). During the Middle Ages the saddler masters neighborhood was in this area. The church is a small one-story building, partly buried in the ground.
Walking on the Boulevard Vitosha – Shopping
Accommodation in Casa Boyana Boutique Hotel – The charming Casa Boyana Boutique Hotel is located near the Boyana Church in a picturesque residential area, a 10-minute drive from the center of Sofia. The hotel has a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The rooms have a wonderful view of the Vitosha Mountain or the city of Sofia.
Dinner at Casa Boyana Boutique’s restaurant. The elegant restaurant serves first-class dishes of choice. The menu is approved by the Culinary Institute of Modena – Italy and consists of Mediterranean, Italian and international specialties.
• visit to Radison Casino – if desired