Sofia

💡 About Sofia

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with over 7,000 years of history layered beneath its streets — Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilisations have all left their mark. Set at the foot of the Vitosha mountain, it blends ancient ruins, communist-era monuments and a lively modern spirit.

The city's symbol is the breathtaking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a vast neo-Byzantine church topped with gleaming gold domes, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Nearby, Roman ruins sit exposed beneath the modern city, visible through glass in metro stations and squares.

Sofia is a city of remarkable religious tolerance, where an Orthodox cathedral, a Catholic church, a mosque and a synagogue all stand within a few minutes' walk of one another — a spot known as the "Square of Tolerance." Its history as a Balkan crossroads has given it a uniquely diverse heritage.

Green, affordable and increasingly cosmopolitan, Sofia has a growing café and craft-beer culture and easy access to skiing and hiking on Vitosha, right on its doorstep. Unpretentious and full of hidden layers, it is a rewarding and welcoming European capital.

⭐ Known For