|
      
Sofia: Things To See & Do
|
St Sofia
This lovely Eastern
Orthodox church is the oldest in the city, as well as one of the
most significant examples of St Sofia early Christian architecture in the Balkans.
Built between the 4th and 6th centuries, it was this church
which gave the city its name, Sofia. It was converted to a
mosque during the Turkish rule, abandoned after two successive
earthquakes, and then reconverted into an Orthodox Church.
|
|
|
St Alexander Nevski
Memorial Cathedral (Hram-pametnik Aleksander Nevski)
One of the finest
examples of 20th-century architecture in Sofia and one of the
symbols of the city, this magnificent cathedral
was built between 1882 and 1912 to honour the Russian soldiers
who died fighting to liberate Bulgaria from Turkish rule. Among
the attractions inside are the Monument to the Unknown Soldier
and the Icon Museum, which holds religious masterpieces from as
far back as the 9th century.
Details
|
Opening
Hrs:
|
Daily 7am to
5.30pm. Museum opens 10am to 6pm; closed Tuesdays
|
|
Pricing:
|
The cathedral is
free, but admission is charged for the museum
|
|
Contact:
|
Telephone: (0)2
877 697 |
|
Getting
Here:
|
Address: 1 St
Alexander Nevsky Square |
|
|
|
St George Rotunda
The rotunda church of
St George is considered to be the oldest building in Sofia,
dating to the 4th century, and is situated amid the remains of
the ancient Roman town of Serdica. St George Rotunda is famous
for its exquisite architecture and layers of medieval frescoes
that were discovered under a covering of plaster. The
magnificent dome is protected by UNESCO and the church functions
at present as a museum.
Details
|
Opening
Hrs:
|
Open daily except
on Fridays, from 8am-12.30pm & 3.30pm-7.30pm
|
|
Pricing:
|
No fee required
|
|
Contact:
|
For general enquiries, please contact the Bulgaria Tourist Office at
Tel:+973 715 713; Fax: +973 715 527; Email: btour@Bulgariatourism.com |
|
|
|
Banya Bashi Mosque (Banya
Bashi Dzhamiya)
The only remaining
mosque in Sofia was designed in 1576 by one of the greatest
Ottoman architects, Mimar Sinan, who was responsible for the
Blue Mosque in Istanbul. This particular building is best known
for its magnificent domed ceiling, which was restored to its
original splendour after the fall of Communism. Though not
really a tourist attraction, visitors are welcomed.
|
|
|
|
Disclaimer: While HolidayCity makes every
effort to ensure the information above is accurate, we cannot guarantee
that the information will not be changed by the the relevant authorities
responsible without notice. Please check with the relevant authorities
beforehand.
|
|