Sofia   

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, stands at 550 m altitude in the plain of the same name and is surrounded by the Lyulin Mountain and the Vitosha Mountain. Its location makes the climate soft and pleasant. The population numbers 1 200 000 people.

The first traces of human life were 5000 years ago. The Thracian Serdi Tribe settled around the thermal springs in the region in the 18th century BC. Later Romans made it an important center, turned it into a town and gave it the name of Serdika. In the 3-4 centuries the town was desroyed during the numerous attacks of Goths, Vestgoths and Huns. In 809 AC, under Khhan Krum, the town was renamed – Sredets. The modern city of Sofia was named in the end of 14th century, after the Goddess of wisdom. During the Turkish yoke there was a period of decline, but after the Liberation the city was declared a capital of the Bulgarian State and gained new glamour.

The mineral water wells out of springs in the city center and other residential areas like Knyajevo, Gorna Banya, Ovcha Kupel and the town of Bankya.

Among the attractions of the city is the oldest monument, build in the 4th century BC - the Rotunda of St George. In the 6th century AC it was a Christian temple. Under Selim V the monument was turned into a mosque. Although it’s not big, it is adorned with finely preserved frescoes.

The Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church was built from 1904 to 1912 and is 72 m long and 55 m high. It is gold- domed and gold- arched and the interior decoration is brilliant.

The church of "Saint Petka Samarjiiska" was built in 14 century. It has mural paintings, layered in 3 coats from 15-17 centuries.

Among the architectural attractions are the well preserved Bania Bashi Mosque, the Russian church "Saint Nicholay", the house of the National Theatre, etc. At the foot of Mount Vitosha is located the Boyana church, biult i nthe beginning of the 11th century. The mural paintings impress with the realism of the painted scenes. The talent of the artist is found in the painting of Tsar (King) Kaloyan and his wife, named Desislava.

The National Palace of Culture- the biggest congress center in the Balkan Peninsula – is located in the city centre.

Very close to the city are the Pancharevo Lake and Iskar Dam lake.