Sofia 鈥� Bulgaria鈥檚 Capital, Sofia, Bulgaria
The capital of Bulgaria is filled with reminders of its extensive history. Walking through its historical centre you will pass Roman ruins that sit beside buildings from the Byzantine Empire. You鈥檒l see Ottoman buildings next to those with a more European look. Although it doesn鈥檛 have the draw of other European capitals, we found Sofia to be a pleasant city to visit. Join us as we explore the sites of Sofia, Bulgaria鈥檚 capital.
Given that the city was named after the Church of St. Sofia, the brick building鈥檚 exterior seemed quite unassuming. It was built in the early 6th century under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, therefore it is considered a contemporary of Hagia Sofia, not far away in聽Istanbul.
Lions are the symbol of Sofia which is why we saw a few around town, including this one outside of the church.
It is believed that the current building was the fourth church to be built on this site and it has suffered a lot. In the 16th century when it was converted to an Ottoman mosque, the frescoes that adorned the walls were destroyed. In the 19th century it was damaged by an earthquake and was then used only for storage. As a result, the tall building feels hollow inside. The brick walls have very few paintings or adornments, quite unlike other Orthodox churches in the country. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
Given that the city was named after the Church of St. Sofia, the brick building鈥檚 exterior seemed quite unassuming. It was built in the early 6th century under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, therefore it is considered a contemporary of Hagia Sofia, not far away in聽Istanbul.
Lions are the symbol of Sofia which is why we saw a few around town, including this one outside of the church.
It is believed that the current building was the fourth church to be built on this site and it has suffered a lot. In the 16th century when it was converted to an Ottoman mosque, the frescoes that adorned the walls were destroyed. In the 19th century it was damaged by an earthquake and was then used only for storage. As a result, the tall building feels hollow inside. The brick walls have very few paintings or adornments, quite unlike other Orthodox churches in the country. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Sights Featured in This Article
Guide Name: Sofia 鈥� Bulgaria鈥檚 Capital
Guide Location: Bulgaria » Sofia
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Maggie Kayes
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Bulgaria » Sofia
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Maggie Kayes
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Church of St. Sofia
- St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Church St Nicholas The Miracle Maker
- Sofia University
- Rotunda Church
- Hagia Nedelya Church
- Church of St Pietka of the Saddlers
- Banya Bashi Mosque
- Regional History Museum
- Sofia Synagogue
- Ivan Vazov National Theatre
- Shtastliveca
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