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A church has nestled here from medieval times. A few cafes and bars also make a lazy appearance mid-afternoon; the surprise here is a rather modern crèche facility! A landmark building in south-eastern Europe, the NPC is a member of ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), BCB (Bulgarian Convention Bureau) and AIPC (International Association of Congress Palaces). A large part of the ancient city of Serdica is buried underneath important modern buildings. A typically Byzantine design of a crucifix with a central dome dominates the structure. Airy display halls have walls covered with red velvet, and huge crystal mirrors adorn the rooms. Alexander Nevski Memorial Church) and the Tsurkva Sveta Sofia (early Byzantine Church of St. Alexander Nevski, the northern altar to Saints Cyril and Methodius (credited with creating the Cyrillic alphabet) and the southern to St. Ancient ruins of the roman town Serdica lie eastwards from the Rotunda. And it's not just the tempting prices for a more-than-comfortable holiday. Archaeological remains can also be found in the basement, including typical Roman baths and a portion of Serdica's fortress wall. Archaeological studies have shown that the site was an ancient marketplace, probably dating back several thousand years. Art enthusiasts can again marvel at the fresco of 22 prophets holding scrolls with texts in Bulgarian and Greek. As a typical capital city, Sofia is modern and bustling and is definitely the fulcrum of Bulgaria's economic, political and cultural life.This Sofia Destination Guide and Sofia Tour Suggestions will tell you all you need to know about the best places to visit in Sofia. As is typical with Sinan's work, the most remarkable feature is the domed ceiling, restored to its original plan only after the fall of Communism. At the entrance are the statues of Hristo and Evlogi Georgiev, the founding fathers of the institute who contributed generously towards establishing the University in 1909. At the time of its independence from the Turks, Jews constituted about 20% of Sofia's population. Banya Bashi simply means a lot of baths! Being a functional mosque, it is not officially open to tourists but visitors are welcome outside of prayer hours.Islamic arts typically ban the portrayal of human images, and the interiors are engraved with passages from the Koran in a delicate calligraphy style. Bookworms can browse their buys on the bench near them and have their photo taken as a keepsake. Boris (credited with introducing Christianity to Bulgaria). Bulgaria's capital city with a complex and colourful history is making every travel enthusiast sit up and take notice. But the city's charm lies in the intricate links between its rich past, evolving present and the space that the two give each other. Come December to late spring, the slopes are perfect for skiers - accommodation is available in plenty in the form of both hotels and chalets. Despite a rich Islamic history, this is still the city's only surviving active mosque. Did you know that the big screen just got bigger? Easily accessible by both bus and car, the Vitosha is considered by the locals as very much a section of their city. English labels make it easy for the tourist, and guidebooks are available in both Bulgarian and English. English tourists are recommended to visit with someone who speaks Bulgarian if they want to get the guard at the gate talking - he knows more than a thing or two about the collection and its well worth the effort, especially as the captions are not adequate. Established in 1948, the Gallery was once a part of the palace. Exhibits are artfully displayed, often individually so they can be fully appreciated. Extremely well equipped with modern technology and infrastructure, the 16 halls can seat from 50 to 4,000 people many of whom are interpreters, working round the clock to translate in more than 14 languages. Faithful Bulgarians throng the tomb to drop hand-written messages into a box placed next to the tomb. Fax: (02) 989 6939.E-mail: info@bulgariatravel.orgWebsite: http://www.bulgariatravel.org/Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730. Floral and geometric motifs cover the outer walls. For more things to do around the country, check out our Bulgaria Destination Guide.Things to See & Do in SofiaSofia was originally founded because of the quality of its mineral waters. For tips on how to get around in Sofia, read our Sofia Transportation Guide. French architect Breanson designed this exquisite building. Fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats, wines ... George (Rotunda Sveti Georgi) standing in the courtyard. Green majolica tiles line the roof and the structure is crowned with gold-plated onion shaped domes. Hali has now reclaimed its place as the city's most prominent and colourful central marketplace. Hali was renovated as a supermarket but fell into disuse after 1989, it was then refurbished extensively in 1999. Hali's ornate facade features elements of Byzantine and medieval Bulgarian architecture with tiered stone and brick, spacious window ledges and an arch in the centre, with a small clock tower at the very top. Highlights include the Panagyurishte treasure of silver and gold, archaeological exhibits, the religious art of the nineteenth century Bulgarian National Revival, including carpets, folk costumes and rooms furnished in the trends of bygone eras. However the fading decor and the hanging ceiling plaster wistfully remind you of a bygone era rather than showcase the artwork. However, now services are sparsely attended by a few dozen worshippers. If you enjoy walking, an exploration of Vitosha is well recommended - there are walker-friendly trails that are well marked. In the city alone there are seven independent mineral water springs. In the fifteenth century, many Jews exiled from Spain settled in the Ottoman Empire. In the spring of 2000 an original monument was created to commemorate two of the most prominent Bulgarian writers, poets and public figures, father and son Petko and Pencho
Slaveikov, after whom the square was named. In times gone by, Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya used to be named after Lenin and his statue dominated the square. Ingenuously crafted in German classicism, it combines the then fashionable style of Secession. Intensive excavation indicated that the area was an ancient market dating back to Roman. It has an eventful history, having been partially destroyed by the Huns, re-established as a church by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century, then converted by the Turks into a mosque, and then restored as a church. It offers a tempting range of vegetables and fruit, cheese, cured meats, homemade halva, figs and dried fruit, nuts and other exotic produce, some of Turkish origin. It's a perfect destination for a weekend sojourn. It's also the oldest and is a daunting Baroque style building. It's no surprise that the church is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the frescoes here are claimed to be some of the most exclusive samples of East European medieval art. It's not just about work though, delegates and visitors can wind down at cafes, bowling alleys, night clubs and more. Kliment Ohridski University - the most modern and well equipped educational and research institute in the country. Legend has it that in the early days only men shopped here, a single woman will be compelled to tempt a little boy to do her shopping for a few pennies. Like many of the other attractions, the Museum has its own little shop selling souvenirs and reproductions. Linger to admire wayside flowers or observe a unique natural feature - the moraine, a seemingly dry river with huge boulders. Loudspeakers on the graceful minaret faithfully call the city's Muslim community to pray five times a day. Many areas of interest are in close proximity to the city centre so you can soak up the culture and history without venturing too far. Maria Louiza Boulevard at Triyaditsa UlicaTransport: Bus to Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya.Opening hours: Daily 0500-2000 or 2100.Admission: Free. Most of these have been excavated from Bulgaria's many monasteries. Named after the famed Les Halles in Paris, the Central Hali was constructed from 1909 to 1911 as Sofia's principal marketplace. Nearby you will chance upon a cluster of monuments from the early part of the twentieth century - the famous Tsentralnata Banya (Central Baths), Tsentralni Hali (Central Food Halls) and a grand synagogue. Nearly ninety percent of the population migrated to Israel in the period after the 1950s. Nicholas church in 1912 and dedicated it to the saint whom they hailed as "the miracle maker." Sveta Nikolai is arguably the loveliest church in Sofia. On a Friday, one can see almost 400 heads bent in prayer. One can imagine kings of yore performing rites and rituals in royal fashion with these gleaming vessels. One of the world's largest IMAX 3D cinema is in Sofia, in the Sofia Mall at the business centre of the city. Opening hours: Wed-Sun 1000-1700.Admission: Lv10. Painstaking restoration work has unmasked exquisite medieval frescoes dating back to the tenth century. Ploshtad Aleksander NevskiTransport: Bus to Ploshtad Aleksander Nevski.Opening hours: Daily 0900-1800.Admission: Free. Quaint Turkish cafes sprout beyond the market in most directions. Recently the Moscow Patriarchate renovated the structure and the building now gleams with gold. Recently the old three-tier bronze fountain was restored. Rococo plaster of Paris ornaments and multi-coloured marble fireplaces are some of the magnificent features you can see here. Sculptures of the goddess Nike top twin towers, and the corridor moves to galleries that can seat about 850 people. Since then, a 24m (79ft) bronze statue of Sofia, Goddess Protector of the city, has been placed as the appropriate substitute. Sip the steaming mineral water (46°C/115°F) from public taps in the square in front of the mosque. Sofia city is named after the Goddess.Ploshtad Sveta NedelyaTransport: Bus to Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya.Opening hours: Daily 0700-1800.Admission: Free. Sofia has been a melting pot of people and cultures from the farthest corners of the world - the Romans, Greeks, Turks, Russians, Jews and more. Sofia).There is also a chance for you to seek treasure underground! Sophia church restored to some of its lost glory. Stefan Stambolov Boulevard, between Slivnitsa Boulevard and Exarch Yossif Ulica.Transport: Bus to Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya.Opening hours: Daily 0900-1800.Admission: Free. The 89 scenes with 240 human images are a beautiful testimony to the artist's skilful blend of iconographical canon dictates with real life art. The ancient city council is hidden under the Sheraton hotel, a number of basilicas are below the Palace of Justice, and a Roman residence with elaborate mosaics is below the Rila Hotel. The Art Club Museum cafe behind the museum is ideal to rest tired feet and have a drink or snack, the ambience enhanced by the engraved Roman marbles in the courtyard. The artefacts are testimony to the achievements of the medieval kingdoms, and there is an elaborate collection of material from the National Revival period, including folk costumes, household utensils and carpets. The Austrian architect Grunanger designed the Central Sofia synagogue after one in Vienna which was destroyed by the Nazis. The beauty of the Banya Bashi is hardly surprising - it was designed in 1576 by Sinan, the architect behind the stunning Sultan Selim Mosque in Edirne and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and several other masterpieces of the time. The boulevard then loses itself in a more shanty part of the city, and finally halts at the Central Station. The brick structure dates back to the fifth century, though there were many precursors including the pre-Christian Serdica necropolis. The cathedral's murals owe their exquisiteness to Russian and Bulgarian artists. The Central Department store is to one side, the former Communist Party headquarters to the other, albeit without its red star. The charming Vitosha Boulevard lies to the south, with the crest of Mount Vitosha as the distant backdrop. The church was re-incarnated as a mosque under the Ottomans, when frescoes from the twelfth century were ruined and minarets were added, but since then much has been restored and recreated making the church a sentimental venue for weddings and other family occasions. The church's backyard has several open stalls filled with handmade rugs and lace, as well as other textiles woven by the locals. The construction began in 1905 and the inauguration took place in 1909.With a central block of Spanish-Moorish design, and a large central dome lit beautifully by a massive 2250kg (4960lb) chandelier - the structure is an architectural delight. The current building is more reflective of restoration in the mid-nineteenth century. The design was based on the blueprint of Yovanovich, the renowned Viennese architect. The exhibits are showcased in 7 expositions (Earth Minerals, Mineral Resources of Bulgaria, Mineral Resources, Giant Crystals, Precious Stones and Materials). The facade of this lovely building entails six columns supporting a massive triangular pediment, adorned with high reliefs of mythological characters. The fresco is believed to date back to the twelfth century. The imposing cupola showcases a portrait of Christ the Pantocrator. The interiors now gleam brightly and all exhibits are labelled in both English and Bulgarian. The key curiosities include Greek, Thracian and Roman pieces and even a mosaic supposedly loosened from the floor of the church. The Monument to the Unknown Soldier has a perpetually lit flame in honour of Bulgarian martyrs. The murals, painted in 1259, are perhaps the most beautiful part of the temple. The museum also has a collection of 234 mineral variations and 1,155 mineral kinds, the development and maintenance being expensive in a museum of this genre; it is heavily funded by individuals and corporations. The museum covers the whole period from prehistory to the current times, with relics from the earliest period up to the middle Ages. The museum displays icons from the early days of Bulgarian iconography (believed to be the end of the ninth century) and the evolving style till a near demise in the end of the nineteenth century. The museum has had a recent face lift, and was reopened after restoration work. The name Banya Bashi has its roots in the nearby Tsentralnata Banya (Central Baths). The Nevski, built over a thirty year span (1882-1912), originated as a memorial to the Russian soldiers who lost their lives when the army freed Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. The original church was destroyed to a great extent when Communist forces killed several people at a funeral service attended by Tsar Boris III and his cabinet ministers. The portrait which dates back to the fourteenth century is encircled by four angels and Evangelist icons. The Presidency is positioned to the right and the Council of Ministers is to the left. The Romans built the first baths here aeons ago, although this particular bath only dates back to 1911. The Rotunda is one of the oldest preserved buildings in Sofia, and dates back to a fourth century Roman temple. The shops selling fake designer clothes and tourist trap items are disappointing, and the atmosphere is chaotic but nevertheless it makes for a fun experience. The slopes are also a good place to observe the relaxed life of the locals or enjoy a picnic. The south-facing wing is in appreciably better condition, its more dramatic halls providing a suitable venue for temporary exhibits of modern graphics, sketches and watercolours. The synagogue was grandiose in design - nearly 1500 worshippers can gather here. The synagogue was refurbished in the 1990s and was consecrated in 1996. The tomb of the former Bishop Serafin, who died in 1950, is found here. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a burning flame stands solemnly nearby. The various phases of the Bulgarian iconography school are showcased in an ensemble of more than 1500 items. The Vulchitrun Treasure though is where the queues appear - a 12.5kg (27lb) assortment of 13 ornamented and unexplainably shaped vessels of real gold. The words engraved on the main facade translate as 'union makes strength'. The words on its coat of arms, ‘Ever Growing, Never Ageing,' aptly describe the city, which has preserved its 7000-year-old history while embracing modern day changes. The Zhenski Pazar (Women's Market) lies to the left of the station. There are more than 20,000 samples collected from all over the world, represented by 3,500 exhibits. There is a boulder engraved with a tribute to the poet and writer, in front of the church. This was concealed by plaster during the long years of the Ottoman rule. Though Serafin was never canonised, he is remembered and revered fondly as a saint and the locals fervently believe that he fulfils their prayers and wishes. Today, it has more than 12,000 exhibits featuring works by painters Vladimir Dimitrov-Maistora, Zahari Zograph, Tzanko Lavrenov, and sculptor Andrei Nikolov among others. Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard is another impressive boulevard to the east corner of Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya; it meanders by the unique Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai (St Nicholas Russian Church) and ends at Alexander Nevski Ploshtad. Two raised performance arenas are also there with seats ranging between 100 and 150. Unlike the Hali, the Zhenski Pazar was a women's stronghold - long ago, all stall owners were women, but now both male and female country hill folk travel long distances to town each morning, to stock their wares. Venture upstairs for some tasty fast food options.25 Maria Louiza BoulevardTransport: Bus to Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya.Opening hours: Daily 0700-2400.Admission: Free. Visited more often than the church, is a crypt that lies to the left side of the main entrance. Well worth a visit as you can also get some shopping done. You can now see many a Bulgarian woman loaded with shopping bags here. Your gaze will be compelled to rest on two of Sofia's most recognised buildings Hram-pametnik Aleksander Nevski (St.