Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, which is also the largest city in Bulgaria. Sofia has rich diversity of landmarks. You can dive in her history, enrich your cultural knowledge, walk in the fresh air and you can even ski during the winter months. Some of the most remarkable places in the capital are the Alexsander Nevski cathedral, King’s castle, the National theater, Sofia city bath. Banya Bashi Masjid, Central Sofia Hali, National pales of culture, bul. Vitosha and National Park Vitosha.
St. Aleksander Nevski
Aleksander Nevski cathedral is built 1882 – 1912, but in 1955 it becomes cultural monument with national meaning. Around the cathedral is placed the area “St. Aleksander Nevski”. The temple is dedicated to Alexander Nevski, famous for his victory over the Tevton Order in the Battle of the Lake Chudsku, proclaimed a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church. The temple is an impressive five-ship cross-cultural basilica in neo-Byzantine style with numerous domes, semi-domes and small cylindrical vaults and a pronounced central dome.
Banya Bashi Masjid
Banya Bashi Masjid is built on the initiative and with the finance help of mola Efendi Kade Saifullah. According to some articles the masjid is also noted under the name “Mola Efendi” or as “Kade Saifullah”. Under the text in the arch above the door it can be seen the year 974, which give the reason to be accepted for being built in 974.
National Palace of Culture
The National Palace of culture, in short NDK is national cultural center in Sofia for conference, exhibitions and special events – the largest congress center in South-eastern Europe. The main use of the building is for Cultural events. In July 2005 the International organization of Congress Centers (AIPC) gives NDK annual distinction “The best congress center in the world”.
National theater “Ivan Vazov”
The National theater “Ivan Vazov” is National cultural Institute in the field of theatrical art in Sofia. The beginning of chronology of the National theater is considered the order of the Ministry of Public Education doc. Ivan Shishman from 1904. Since the spring the same year the name become Bulgarian National theater. Today the official name is National theater “Ivan Vazov”.
National Park Vitosha
Nature Park “Vitosha” is the first Nature Park in Bulgaria on the Balkan peninsula. On 27.10.1934 with the active participation of the Bulgarian conservation community, part of the mountain Vitosha with area 6410 hectare has been announced for National Park. The borders have been changed several times and today they the whole mountain with area 27 079 hectare. The green territories are around 60% of the mountain.
The seven Rila lakes
The seven Rila Lakes are group of lakes with, located in Rila mountain. This is the most visited from tourist lake group in Bulgaria and it is one of the hundred National Tourist places. When the water flows with the time has been formed small waterfalls. The first three lakes – The Tear, the Eye and the Kidney – are drained each individually in the Twin, from which the water passes alternately through the Trilistnik, Fish and Lower Lake. In the last two lakes passes an already more powerful stream, which, leaking from the bottom lake. Visiting the lakes also involves the use of a lift. During the lift ride there is an amazing view, which you can enjoy and even take pictures to keep it as a souvenir.
The wonderful bridges
The wonderful bridges or rock bridges are a rock phenomenon, located in the karst valley of the Erkupria River in the Western Rhodopes at 1450 m. above sea level, at the foot of Golya Persenk Peak.
Prohodna Cave
Prohodna Cave is one of the most famous caves in the Karst region near the village of Karlukovo. It is easily accessible and has the longest cave tunnel in Bulgaria – 365 meters long. It is naturally illuminated, since in its middle hall, due to erosion, the ceiling is pierced by the permeable waters, forming the phenomenon Eyes of God – two identical-sized eye-shaped holes.
The paradise spray
The paradise spray is the highest permanent waterfall in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula – 124.5 m. It is located in Stara Planina, on the southern slope under the highest peak of Stara Planina – Botev. On the territory is the nature reserve “Dzhendema”, part of the National Park “Central Balkan”. It was declared a protected natural site in 1965. It is formed from the waters of the Splash River, coming from the eternal snowman, located under Botev Peak, which even in the summer does not melt completely. After flowing along the sloping grassy slope at the top, the stream reaches the upper edge of a rock belt of sheer cliffs, called the Paradise Rocks, and makes its big leap. It then descends into the abysmal south of Dzhendem and flows into the White River.
The Rose Valley
The Rose Valley is an area in Bulgaria located south of the Balkan Mountains and north of Sеrnena Sredna Gora, which received its name in the middle of the 19th century from the traditions in the cultivation of oil-bearing rose. In the Valley of roses every year in the first days of June is celebrated the Feast of the Rose. In the town of Kazanlak, considered the capital of the Rose Valley, the historical and ethnographic complex “Kulata” is built, where tourists can observe traditional pink red and taste the products with the oil-bearing rose. There is also the specialized Rose Museum.
During the Roman empery Plovdiv (then Trinomcium) was important region center. The city bloomed and the construction on buildings and facilities as the the construction of paths was on a full swing. More interesting objects from Rome’s times are the Antic theater, the Rome stadium, Antic forum and the building “Eirene”.
The old town is a favorite place for a walk, the large number of cafes and good restaurants some of which with long history make the meeting even better-especially during the hot summer nights.
The Old Town Plovdiv
The architecture reserve Plovdiv is an amazingly saved complex. There we ca take a walk-through different era, see antic building adapted to the contemporary life and to feel the atmosphere of the town in the Revival. The Old Town as we know it is located at natural – (the near located three hills Dzhambaz, Nebet and Taksim). Through the eras here have lived many nationalities. Each of them left from its culture so and its city’s name. Plovdiv is one of the oldest towns in Europe-it’s establishment dated 4000 years BC. During the antics the Tracians are settling on the hill and created fortified place, which during the IV century BC was conquered by Filip Makedonski. He gave one of the many names of the city – Filipopolis and surrounded him with thick fortress walls. Later the Tracians took back the power of the city, but after series of battles during the I century he falls under Roman power. Since Tracians time the fortress is saved on the pick Nebet tepe.
The architectural complex occupies an area of 1730 square meters. All parts of the complex are included in a common composition and are connected to inside yards.
The prayer hall is entered through an open vestibule with tall Moorish-style arcades. It is supported by four massive marble columns. There are five domes in the vestibule. The Sheriff Khalil Pasha Mosque has been open for prayer every day since its inception. Today, in addition to being a temple and spiritual center of the Muslim community, it is also an intensively visited tourist site. The mosque sells information materials and souvenirs.
Sheriff Khalil Pasha’ Mosque, Shumen
The Sheriff Khalil Pasha Mosque, also known as the Tombul Mosque, is located in the town of Shumen. It was built in 1744. The architecture of the church is influenced by the oriental architectural style “tulip”, which originated in the early XVIII century, which is characterized by the inclusion of elements of the French Baroque.
With the complex of buildings around it, the temple is the largest in the country by area and architectural significance and it is also the second place on the Balkan Peninsula after the Sultan Selim Mosque, located in the city of Edirne, Turkey. Tombul Mosque is also one of the 100 national tourist sites.
Cuisine
With the creation of the Bulgarian state, the merger of the kitchens of Thracians, Slavs and Pre-Bulgarians and the construction of the national cuisine was launched. Each ethnic group is involved with its own culinary traditions. Some of the most characteristic products used in Bulgarian cuisine are white brine cheese and yogurt. The recipes have been formed for centuries, with traditions in the flavoring and built methods and techniques of preparation, representing a synthesis of European and Asian cuisine.
Shopska salad
With the creation of the Bulgarian state, the merger of the kitchens of Thracians, Slavs and Pre-Bulgarians and the construction of the national cuisine was launched. Each ethnic group is involved with its own culinary traditions. Some of the most characteristic products used in Bulgarian cuisine are white brine cheese and yogurt. The recipes have been formed for centuries, with traditions in the flavoring and built methods and techniques of preparation, representing a synthesis of European and Asian cuisine.
Tarator
Tarator is a type of cold milk soup, traditional in Bulgarian cuisine, prepared from yogurt, water, finely chopped or grated cucumber, oil or olive oil, salt, dill and crushed, pressed or finely chopped garlic, which are mixed and stirred. Crushed walnuts can be added to the prepared mixture if you would like.
Banitsa
Pie with white cheese, yogurt and eggs stuffing is called Banitsa – traditional Bulgarian dish. It consists of rolled or layered sheets of rolled dough or ready-made crusts for a banitsa with stuffing. It’s usually baked in an oven. Various stuffs are used – most often cheese or cottage cheese, with or without the addition of eggs. There is also banitsa with vegetables, meat, fruits.
Cabbage rolls
Cabbage rolls is a dish of leaf roll with rice stuffing, which is part of the national cuisine of many European and Asian peoples. There are many different options depending on the type of leaves and the way the stuffing is prepared.
Yogurt
The yogurt is sour-milk product, which is made as a result of sour-milk fermentation in the milk. This type of yogurt is produced in the Balkan countries, but also in other countries in the world because of its good tastes, diet and healing qualities.
Activities
Bulgaria is full of amazing nature. There are large green forests, where is wearing the smell of bor, cool places where a person can sit and admire the silence hearing only noise of the waterfall and the song of the birds or valley full of green grass and flowers, where you can sit and admire the view and the sun.
The gorge of the River Erma
The gorge of the River Erma is the incredibly beautiful area, which is located 5 km from the town of Tran. The gorge has a length of about 100 meters and a width in the narrowest part about 5 meters. On both sides of the river rise sheer rocks with a height of about 150-200 m. It is built special eco path, whish started from the southern end of the canyon. The path is length 13km. and it continue through wooden bridges on Erma river, continue through tunnel, cut into the rock, and behind it descends a 35-meter wooden bridge, after which begins an ascent of the western rock of the gorge. The view which the eco path show you can stop your breath with its rock formations in river gorges, sparkling waterfalls and water thresholds.
Sozopol City
Sozopol is located on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, in the southern part of the Burgas Bay, 35 km south of Burgas. The city is divided into Old and New City, between which is the Sea Garden. The first name of the city is Antea. It was later changed to Apollonia in honor of the ancient Greek god Apollo, patron saint of emigrants and revered as a healer. From late antiquity Apollonia is known as Sozopol.
The old town leaves a unique architectural impression. The flair of ancient history and culture is felt not only by the annual Apollonia Arts Festival, but on the entire Scamney Peninsula. In the city you will walk along cobbled streets and enjoy dozens of Revival houses made of wood and stone.
Sozopol enjoys a big tourist interest because of his crystal-clear water and sea lines. The central beach of Sozopol is located of east side of the Old Town. The beach line is formed of golden sand on top of that the sea depth is full of sand.
Neseber City
Neseber is one of the oldest cities in Europe 3200 years ago. During the antiques the city has been called “Mesembria”. Today the old Neseber is trying to save the romantic atmosphere with its narrow pave streets, small squares, two-storey houses with stone earthy and wooden upper floors, which have external staircases and protrude above the streets, souvenir shops, pubs, taverns and wonderful flower gardens. The town is one of the main tourist attractions along the Southern Black Sea coast. The most famous landmark of the city is the mill, which is located in the middle of the isthmus between the old and the new part of the city.
Besides summer entertainment spots, Bulgaria offers great conditions for skiing and snowboard holidays. Three are the main ski areas in Bulgaria – Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. They are the largest and together with the adjacent resorts around them determine the appearance of winter sports in Bulgaria. But there are at least a dozen more places where you can ski and snowboard, and although smaller, these resorts offer great downhill slopes.
Bansko
Bansko is known among tourists mainly as a ski and snowboard destination. The total length of the ski slopes is 75 km, the longest of which is 16 km. About 90% of all 16 tracks are equipped with artificial snow cannons for quality and long-lasting snow cover. There is also a ski area equipped with night riding lighting. During the winter season there is also an outdoor ice rink in the city. The biggest challenge for skiers in Bansko is the “Tomba” slope, named after the Italian skier Alberto Tomba. At the disposal of tourists is a cable car, which leads from the starting point of the lift station in Bansko to Banderishka Polyana. The town is connected to the ski area and by a 7 km ski road.
Borovets
A number of competitions are held in Borovets – twice it hosts alpine-style World Cup competitions and twelve times hosts the European Cup competition. The last race – a giant slalom for women – takes place before February 2016. In 2010, according to established world standards, Borovets bike park with over 20 km of marked routes suitable for beginners and advanced ones was established here.
Pamporovo
In the resort of Pamporovo, the slopes can also be used by snowboarders, there are half pipe, as well as good opportunities for descent on untreated terrain. Pamporovo also has cross-country skiing trails with a length of 25 km. There are also many places in the ski area, convenient for sledding. For lovers of extreme descents, the night lighting of 28 spotlights on the track “Snow White 2”, which is 1176 meters long, 60 meters wide and its denivelation is 283 meters. Snowmobile trekking is available. Pamporovo is located in a region with a lot of history. Nearby are the towns of Chepelare and Smolyan, as well as the picturesque villages of Shiroka Laka, Stoykite, Gela, Smylian, Arda, which are very attractive with their preserved traditions and the hospitality of the local people. Excursions to the region’s historic sites and other destinations are also available.
