Sofia’s Iconic Sights
One of Europe’s oldest capital cities is also perhaps one of its most underrated. Flanked by lush mountains and skirted by the Iskar river, Sofia sits on a rich cache of mineral springs that attracted some of its earliest settlers nearly 7000 years ago. The city rose in power over the centuries, being ruled variously by the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Russians. Beneath its present-day facade of Soviet-era architecture is a charming, laidback metropolis, with vestiges of its grand history peeking from its every nook. Its historic center is a veritable museum and those with a keen eye can trace the city’s evolution under the many empires that ruled it.
Here are some of Sofia’s iconic sights:
Topped with golden and turquoise domes, this breathtaking edifice, designed in the Neo-Byzantine style is the largest cathedral in the Balkan Peninsula. Its interiors are equally impressive, with magnificent murals, monumental chandeliers and decorative elements in lavish materials. The cathedral was built to commemorate the Russian soldiers who lost their lives in the Russo-Turkish war, which liberated Bulgaria from the Ottoman rule. It is undoubtedly the most visited monument in Sofia and an evocative symbol of the city itself.
Borisova Gradina
For an urban metropolis, Sofia boasts of an outstanding green cover, and Borisova Gradina, the oldest and largest of the lot is the crown jewel of the city’s park network, encompassing lakes, sporting facilities including two football stadiums, entertainment spaces, cycling areas and much more. Constructed in the late 19th Century and named after a Bulgarian Tsar, the park is a lovely respite from the urban cityscape and a great way to observe local life.
Sofia Synagogue
This Sephardic Synagogue, built in 1909 is one of the three largest synagogues in Europe. Sofia Synagogue was designed by architect Friedrich Gruenanger with beautiful Moorish influences and is an architectural landmark of Sofia. Highlights of the synagogue include a stunning brass chandelier; the largest in the country, as well as the richly decorated interiors with elements imported from Vienna. The synagogue is part of the Square of Tolerance, and exemplifies the religious spirit of the city. The Jewish History Museum operating within the synagogue offers fascinating insight into the story of the community in Sofia.
Central Mineral Baths
Sofia was well-known throughout history for its healing mineral springs, and this majestic edifice was perhaps one of the city’s grandest public baths in its day. The Central Mineral Baths were constructed to replace the Turkish hammam existing on-site from the Ottoman times. Architect Petko Momchilov designed the striking building with a blend of architectural styles that was eventually dubbed the National Romanticism Style. While the place no longer operates as a public bath, visitors can marvel at the opulent interiors and learn more about the city at the Sofia Regional History Museum that now occupies the building. Let the historic theme accompany you to your meal after, at the Hadjidraganovite Kashti, a beautiful restaurant serving up delectable Bulgarian fare in beautifully restored houses from the 19th Century.
Vinit Karandadi
Comments
Post a Comment