Sofia (София), Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Downtown_Sofia_Boby_Dimitrov_1.jpg
Author: Boby Dimitrov


Sofia (София) is the capital and biggest city in Bulgaria. It is located on the central western part of the country. Sofia covers 1,345 sq km (519.3 sq mi) and has a population of 1.3 million people (2011 estimate). It is in the Eastern European Time zone, which is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2), and three hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time in summer. The phone area code here is (+359) 02.

Sofia traffic
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sofia-traffic-03.jpg
Author: Делян


Sofia is within a valley surrounded by tall mountains. It is the largest valley in Bulgaria. To the north is the Vitosha mountain massif, which rises to 2,290 m (7,513 ft). Sofia experiences a humid continental climate. Its warmest months are July and August, when the average temperature rises to 27°C (81°F). Coldest month is January, when the average low temperature drops to -6°C (21°F). Snow can be expected from November until March.

Sofia has ample parks and parklands, many of which are forested. Hiking in the mountain is one of the recreational activities of the locals. There are also ski slopes with good views of the countryside and the city.

Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church, Sofia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SvetiSedmochislenitsiChurch-Sofia-3.jpg
Author: Plamen Agov - studiolemontree.com


The architecture of Sofia range from ancient Roman ruins to modern skyscrapers. Among its heritage sites include the 10th century Boyana Church, today one of Bulgaria's World Heritage Sites.

The history of Sofia goes back to Celtic times, when it was a settlement known as Serdica. During the 4th century, it was ruled by Philip of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great. The city was captured by the Romans in AD 29. Under Roman Emperor Diocletian, Serdica became the capital of Dacia Mediterranea.

Holy Synod Palace, Sofia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Holy_Synod_Palace_-_Sofia_.jpg
Author: Plamen Agov - studiolemontree.com


In AD 809, Serdica became part of the First Bulgarian Empire. It became known as Sredet, and was an important fortress town. The name Sofia first came to be used around 1376. The name means "wisdom" in Ancient Greek. The city fell under the Ottoman Empire in 1382, and was under Turkish rule for centuries, until 1878.

Under the Ottoman Turks, Sofia became the capital of the Ottoman province of Rumelia. During Ottoman rule, Islamic lifestyle was introduced to the city. There were many mosques, fountains and bathhouses erected. During this long period, the Christians faced discrimination and persecution.

Russian Church, Sofia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Russian_church_Sofia.jpg
Author: Plamen Agov - studiolemontree.com


Ottoman rule over Sofia came to an end when Russian forces overran it in 1878, during the Russo-Turkish War. It was made the capital of the autonomous Principality of Bulgaria. During the Second World War, Bulgaria was allied to Germany. It was overthrown by the Red Army, which proceeded to create the People's Republic of Bulgaria in 1946.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked the beginning of a transition for Bulgaria from a Communist state to a democratic, free-market capitalist state. Sofia remains unchanged as its capital.

New terminal of Sofia Airport
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NuevaTerminalAeropuertodeSofia2.jpg
Author: Spartakus79

Visiting Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia Airport (SOF) is the busiest in Bulgaria. Most of its flight connections are with cities in Europe. The airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is used by chartered flights as well as low-cost carriers such as EasyJet, Germanwings and Wizz Air, while Terminal 2 by the mainstream carriers. A shuttle bus connects the two terminals, which are a few kilometers apart.

To leave the airport, you have the option to take the airport bus, the shuttle bus and taxis. The Airport Bus starts at Terminal 2, stops over at Terminal 1, and continues to downtown Sofia. Any baggage larger than 40 cm x 40 cm x 60 cm will need an extra ticket.

Musagenitca Metro Station, Sofia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IMG_1405.JPG
Author: Farid p


The shuttle bus connects the airport to various hotels. There are counters for it at the airport Arrival Hall. Taxis to downtown Sofia will cost you about 10-12 leva.

Exploring Sofia

Sofia has an excellent public transport system comprising subway, trams, trolleybuses and buses. A single-journey ticket costs 1 lev. You can also buy a 10-ticket booklet for 8 lev, or combined subway-and-ground-transport tickets for 1.4 lev, daily pass for 4 lev, and 5-day pass for 15 lev.

Places of Interest in Sofia, Bulgaria

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