LOCATIONS- Sofia
Sofia – one of the oldest capital cities in Europe
Only 60km to the north -west of Samokov. Favourable location, beautiful countryside and pleasant climate – these are some of the features of Bulgaria`s capital. The city is also remarkable for its rich historical past with unbroken cultural layers from the time of the primitive man till the present day. There are 1730 landmarks with the status of monuments of culture located within this endearing city.
Serdica-Sredets East Gateway
The East Gateway of the fortified antique town of Serdica is situated in the underpass in front of the Presidency. It defended the town from the 2nd to the 14th century AD, until 1382 – the year of the Ottoman invasion. In its present state it is a monumental stone block construction with two pentagonal towers, an external drawbridge and three internal passage doors.
Serdica Amphitheatre
One of the latest finds, uncovered in 2004. This amphitheatre existed between 2nd and 4th century AD and was where gladiators and circus games performed during the Antiquity period.
Sveti Georgi (St George) Church – The Rotonda
This is one of the oldest buildings in Sofia and the only historical building preserved “up to the roof`”. It was built at the beginning of 4th century AD during the reign of Constantine the Great .The temple underwent restoration in 1975 and 1998. The cities of Serdica- Sredets - Sofia have left artifacts in the church during its 1600 years of existence.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This magnificent monument was erected in memory of the Russian soldiers, who died for the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottomans. The foundation stone was laid in 1882, although the actual building works did not start until 1904 and were completed in 1912. The 52 m high belfry has 12 bells. The sculptures and decoration were made from Siena and Carera marbles, Brazilian onyx and alabaster in many different shades. All the mural paintings were completed in only one year. The exhibit for Medieval and Revival Bulgarian Art has been housed in the Crypt since 1965.
Image Author: Neva Micheva
Sveta Sofia (St Sofia) Basilica
The Basilica is the oldest Christian temple in the city. In the 14th century the towns name name was changed from Sredets to Sofia. The present monumental building was constructed in the 5th-6th century AD dedicated to St Sofia – the Great Wisdom of God. It is now an active Orthodox church.
The Rescue of the Bulgarian Jews Monument is situated next to the northern facade of the Basilica.
The Unknown Soldier Monument is situated near the southern facade of the basilica.
The National Assembly Building
The National Assembly building was constructed in 1884 and was designed by a Bulgarian architect working in Vienna. In 1890 additional rooms for archive and offices were built. The exterior architecture is simple and shaped in a minimal manner. The inscription on the facade of the building says: "Unity Makes Power".
Image Author: Nenko Lazarov. Source: http://www.imagesfrombulgaria.com/
The Tsar Liberator Monument
Built after the project of the Florentine artist Arnoldo Dzokki the monument is a great achievement. The foundation stone was laid on 23rd April 1901 and the ceremonial opening took place on 30th August 1907. The central figures of the Liberty, Alexander II, Nikolay Nikolayevich the Senior and Count Ignatiev stand out on the background of the relief and dominate the monument.
Image Author: Nenko Lazarov. Source: http://www.imagesfrombulgaria.com/
Ivan Vazov National Theatre
This beautiful building, named after the great Bulgarian poet and writer Ivan Vazov, was constructed in 1906-1907 and was designed by a Viennese workshop of architects. The baroque character of the building is obvious. After the fire of 1923 a reconstruction was completed by a German architect. The National Theatre was completely restored, refurbished and repaired in the mid-1970s.