Bulgaria Travel Guide
A picturesque small country, Bulgaria has existed for more than 13 centuries in Europe, linking East and West. Bulgaria captures ancient civilisations and the great people that wrote its turbulent history. Situated in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, and has many gorgeous cities and sites that will entrance all visitors.
Sofia Zoo
One of the most historic and best zoos in Europe, Sofia Zoo has been a primary staple landmark in the city since 1888. The facility has close to twelve-hundred animals on display and perhaps best of all, the price of admission is a steal.
Vitosha
Mount Vitosha is the most prominent natural landmark in Sofia and offers first-class panoramas. The massif is home to a national park, ski slopes, many forms of recreation and posh resorts on her foothills.
SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library
The National Library of Bulgaria has a lot to offer. Not only is the historic edifice a marvel to behold (and photograph), the interior contains scores of rare documents, relics and artifacts. All in all, a wonderful place to while away a rainy afternoon.
National Archaeological Museum
Another facility in Sofia where the facade alone is part of the appeal, the National Archaeological Museum is a former 15th century Ottoman Empire mosque. Now a first-rate museum, interior exhibits offer a peerless glimpse into the heritage of Bulgaria.
National Art Gallery
The National Art Gallery is a prime illustration of why and how Sofia and indeed, Bulgaria, places such high emphasis on arts and culture. Within the former royal palace on Battenberg Square, the museum has over 50,000 works and one of the most important collections of medieval art in the world.
National Palace of Culture
A throwback to Soviet-era Communist architecture, the National Palace of Culture is a mammoth monument of concrete and steel. Built in 1981, it remains a stark reminder of a bygone political era and contrasts greatly with the exquisite Dragalevtzi Monastery, for example. Still, the congress, convention and exhibition complex is worth a visit.
Church of St. George
A remarkable Roman Empire relic, the Church of St. George is the most historic landmark in all of Bulgaria. The 4th century church contains some of the best examples of medieval fresco art, namely from the 10th to 14th century, in Europe.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral could very well be the most photogenic tourist attraction in all of Sofia. The brilliant neo-Byzantine cathedral is a wonderful and holy symbol of the Orthodox faith. The interior has room for more than 5,000 people and contains a small museum and crypt.
Hagia Sophia Church
The landmark church that gave the city the name Sofia ranks second in longevity in Bulgaria. Built in the 14th century, the spectacular yet decidedly serene Hagia Sophia is a priceless work of architecture.
Boyana Church
The Boyana quarter of Sofia has a gem for visitors to discover. The UNESCO World Heritage Boyana Church has roots that date back to the 10th century and a peerless claim to fame in a series of 13th century frescoes that were painstakingly restored and unveiled in 2008. The church is now one of the most popular points of interest in the entire country.