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Guide to Sofia, Bulgaria
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Sofia
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SofiaFor generations, Sofia, along with Bulgaria as a whole, has suffered economic hardships, civil strife, and unhealthy wealth distribution. But today, the people of Bulgaria have been turning around their country for the better, and Sofia stands as an enduring symbol of their ambitions. While much work is left to do, Sofia is seeing much brighter days than it did a decade or more ago. Economic recovery is occurring in full force, and today, the city is receiving more visitors than ever before. The city is a showcase for Bulgarias history, and though modernism has been creeping into its boulevards and central districts, what architectural sites that still stand are either being restored, or have completed their restoration processing. The city is quite safe, and strolls through its octagonal pattern are simply wondrous on clear days. Visit Sofia for a trip through inspiring surprises and to see hope in its fullest form.
When to go:
Sofia is most-pleasant in the summer, though the shoulder months see less crowd volume and discounts are everywhere to be found. Winter is skiing season in Bulgaria, so you may find it difficult to find an open hotel room, especially those closest to the slopes. Yearly temperatures peak at around 75F (24C), and dip roughly to the freezing point at the height of winter. When snow blankets Sofia, its especially beautiful, though transportation services run a bit sluggishly.
Getting there and around:
Sofia Airport has been completely revamped to accommodate the rise in passenger numbers. Renovations have included the addition of storefronts and banking services, and a stop to one of the new cafes on-site to shrug off the jetlag may be just the boost you need before heading out to the city. You can ride one of the frequently-operated buses into the city or an incredibly cheap fare, or you can opt for a taxi ride (all metered).
Most commuters tend to use the citys buses and trolleys, all operated under the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Buses and trolleys operate more often than trams, but if youre out late at night, you may be out of luck looking for service from any of the three. For late night driving, or for an unofficial tour of Sofia, hail a taxi. The fares are a steal, and along with the citys progression, the transportation companies have revamped many vehicles within their fleets, offering you the incentive of a newer back seat.
Attractions:
The city of Sofia emphasizes the architectural brilliance of its churches, and rightly so. Take a ride to Hram-pametnik Aleksander Nevski (St Alexander Nevski Memorial Church) and youll get to see one of the most beautiful, most photographed icons the city has to show. It was constructed more than a century ago, and the neo-Byzantine look is complemented nicely by the multiple copper and gold domes. Inside, where the murals grace the walls and ceiling, youll find the work and craftsmanship of over 45 artists and artisans. The extraordinary work is just a start, however. You can view pieces stored in the Icon Museum (located in the churchs crypt) found from sites in and around the city dating back as far as the 9^th Century AD. There is crowded square at the forefront of the church where vendors sell everything from souvenirs to clothe items, usually with religious connotations.
Another highly-prized site in Sofia is the Tsurkva Sveta Sofia (Church of St Sofia). This church can be found standing right beside St Alexander Nevski Memorial Church, and while its brick construction is no match for its neighbors faade, the church holds a greater historical value to the city.
The Natzionalen Archeologicheski Musei (National Archaeological Museum) is housed in a former mosque (Buyuk Mosque), and everything is laid out in a completely renovated interior. Most pieces held here originated from Greek and Roman times, and while there are a great number of priceless items in the Museum, the highlight is most-definitely the Vulchitrun Treasure a 13 piece collection of solid gold vessels.
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