Sofia, the Bulgarian capital city was born 7,000 years ago in the green embrace of the Vitosha Mountain. Today, Sofia is a cosmopolitan city. Like any other European capital it is the hub of the country's political, business and cultural life, the center of various international events. There are many theatres, an Opera, an Operetta, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries. Sofia offers excellent opportunities for international congresses, symposia, meetings, conferences and fairs. Special business centers and deluxe hotels are in the proximity of the bustling city centre.
Sofia is a city that grows but never ages. Monuments to its rich Thracian, Roman, Bulgar and Ottoman history rub shoulders with modem-day edifices of cosmopolitan city life. Over 250 historic landmarks and architectural monuments blend in with the city's modern skyline.
Major landmarks include the St George Rotunda, part of a large archeological complex with rare Roman architectural features; the Sveta Sofia Basilica which inspired the city's coat of arms; the Alexandar Nevski Cathedral, whose magnificent icons and frescoes are world famous; and the Boyana Church on Sofia's outskirts - a listed UNESCO building - a fine example of Medieval architecture with unique wall paintings.
Other tourist attractions include: the Church of Sveta Nedelya, the Banya Bashi Mosque (16th century) and nearby Turkish baths, the Hall covered market and clock tower Synagogue, the National History Museum, the Sveta Petka Saamardzhiiska Church, the Russian Church, the Alexandar Batenberg Square, the flea market, antique shops and cafes around the Kristal Square, the tree-lined Alexsandar Nevski Square, named after its famous Cathedral, and the international art collection housed in the St. St. Cyril and Methodius Foundation.
The area surrounding Sofia is rich in natural beauty. The tranquillity and charm of Mount Vitosha offers ideal spots for picnics or walking in the summer and superb skiing in the winter.
More modern architecture is represented by the Bulgarian National Opera and Ballet, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the Rakovski Str theatre district, Slaveykov Square's outdoor book market, and the NDK, which is Southeastern Europe's largest cultural and congressional centre.
We present you a few links about Sofia:
- http://www.sofiacityguide.com/
- http://www.travel-bulgaria.com/content/sofia.shtml
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofia
___________________________
Hotels
GANESHA -1113, Sofia, Geo Milev quarter (Slatina), 26, Alexander von Humboldt str closest to the event
METROPOLITAN HOTEL SOFIA - 1784 Sofia, 64, Tsarigradsko shosse Blvd.