About
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, set in Sofia Province at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. It is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, and that long history is visible in the streets, where layers from different eras sit close together. The city has also been known as Serdica and Sredets, names that still echo in its past.
What to see
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the city's best-known landmark, with its gilded domes rising above the centre.
- Ancient Roman ruins, which reveal how far back the settlement goes. They are found in several spots around the centre and make a quiet counterpoint to the busy squares nearby.
- Vitosha Mountain, whose slopes frame the city and offer an easy escape from the urban pace.
The visit
Sofia suits a slow visit. Walking is the simplest way to take in its mix of old and new, moving from the cathedral to the Roman remains and on to the leafy avenues and cafés that fill the centre. Those who want more space can head up toward Vitosha, where the mountain changes the feel of the day entirely.
Because the city sits so close to its surrounding hills, a visit can combine urban sightseeing with a walk in open country. For many travellers, that pairing of history and landscape is what makes Sofia worth the trip.