When most travelers think about a European vacation, Bulgaria won’t even come up on the list. Americans typically think of Europe as it’s portrayed in domestic films – there’s little knowledge that there are destinations beyond Paris, Berlin, and Madrid. That’s a shame, because the historic city of Sofia in Bulgaria is a destination worth savoring. The rich history of Sofia runs through the tribes of Thrace to the rise of Alexander the Great to the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and beyond. As European cities go, it’s relatively affordable. If you’re a history buff looking for value, a Bulgarian holiday to Sofia will not disappoint.
Perhaps the best well known Sofia attractions is the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox Christian churches in the world. The structure appears to have domes on top of domes, with archways decorating the entire exterior. It was constructed in the late 19th century, in memory of the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire by the Russian army.
Of course, the history of Sofia goes back farther than that. The St. Sofia church, for whom the city is named, is a rare example of early Byzantine architecture. It was constructed in the 6th century AD, and thanks to a recent restoration, is an excellent example of early Medieval architecture. During the long Ottoman occupation, the rulers converted it into a Mosque. The interior features some tombs decorated with frescoes that display influence from ancient Rome and the art of early medieval Europe. Some frescoes still remain, although the color has faded with time.
Fans of Ancient Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman history can view over 650,000 collected historical treasures at the National Historical Museum in Sofia. Ancient armaments of the Thracians, Macedons, and others can be found by travellers looking to gain some connection to this rich nexus of the past.
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