Sofia

Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. It lies in a trough-like valley in the western part of the country, near the geographical center of the Balkan region, in the Sofia Basin. Built west of the Iskar River, the city has a number of mineral springs, including the Sofia Central Mineral Baths. The city has a total of 49 mineral and thermal springs. In the twentieth century, artificial lakes and dams were built. Sofia is surrounded by Vitosha to the south, Lyulin to the west and the Balkan Mountains to the north, making it the third highest European capital after Andorra la Vella and Madrid. As Bulgaria's number one city, Sofia is home to many important local universities, cultural institutions and commercial companies. They described the city as a "triangle of religious tolerance". This is due to the close proximity of three churches of the three great world religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Besides the seaside and mountain resorts, Sofia is one of Bulgaria's most visited tourist destinations. The city's landmarks include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built at the end of the 19th century, and one of the symbols of Bulgaria. It covers an area of 3,170 square meters and can accommodate 10,000 people. In the city center you will find many excavated and publicly displayed remains of ancient Serdica, including the ancient Serdica complex, the Eastern Gate, the Western Gate, the city walls, the thermal baths, the 4th century Church of St George Rotunda, the Amphitheatre of Serdica, the tombs and basilicas under the Basilica of St Sophia.