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Sofia's landmarks
When you come to Sofia, start your tour outside the capital. The magnificent mountains that surround Sofia are one of the most preferred places to visit. Vitosha, Liulin and Plana mountains all surround Sofia. They feature both magnificent nature and unique culture sites.
Liulin is placed 3km southwest of Sofia. This area is preferred for its tranquility and the suitable places for (family) picnics and outings.
To see Kokalianski Monastery you have to take a walk 10km away from central Sofia into Plana Mountain. It was built in the 10th century by Tsar Samuil. Pancherevo lake is located only five km away. It provides opportunities for water sports, sun bathing and swimming.
Vitosha is the most popular of the three mountain parks. Boyana church and the Dragalveski monastery are both located in this mountainous area. They were built during the 13th and 14th century and are regarded as predecessors of European Renaissance. The Boyana church is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Besides cultural landmarks Vitosha is known for its ski runs found only a short trip from Sofia. If you need a place to stay- Aleko and Zlatnite Mostove are some of the Vitosha resorts that offer accommodation.
The Boyanski Waterfall, Vitosha’s stone rivers and Bulgaria’s longest cave Duhlata are some of the natural phenomena found within the Vitosha area.
The little town of Bankia is about 20 km west from Sofia. Bankia is famous for its mineral water springs. It features spa resorts as the mineral springs found there are said to cure cardio-vascular diseases.
A number of buildings and monuments are emblematic for the capital of Sofia. One is St Alexander Nevski Cathedral. This church is the central cathedral of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Built in 1880, the cathedral was designed by the Russian architect Alexander Pomeranski and constructed using very expensive materials. Near the church Alexander Nevsky is located another remarkable landmark, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier with the eternal flame. The monument was built in 1981 to commemorate 1300 years since the founding of the Bulgarian state and to honour Bulgarian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation.
St. Sofia Church is located on the same square. It was built during sixth century, about 527-565 CE. After this church
is given the name of the City SofiaThe National Gallery of Foreign Arts and the National Gallery of Fine Arts are both found near the Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
National Theatre Ivan Vazov is also a building worth taking a look at. It was built in 1907 in the typical style of the early 20th century.
For more information and for tour guides and holiday bookings, visit http://bulgariainfo.start.bg/
National Palace of Culture (NDK – Natsionalen Dvorets na Kulturata)
Built in 1981 by architect Alexander Barov. The National Palace of Culture is a huge building in the heart of Sofia, having 13 halls mainly used for cultural events and concerts. The NDK building spreads over 123 000 sq m and has eight floors and three underground levels. It can accommodate 12 000 guests and artists.Expos usually take place on the first, second and third floors. The rest of the building is used for administrative offices.
The Building of Bulgaria’s National Assembly
The National Assembly of Bulgaria was formed in 1878 and its building was constructed from1884 to 1886 by architect Konstantin Iovanovich, an Austrian-Swiss of Serbian descent. The exterior is formed in neo-renaissance style; the interior has been reconstructed many times, but the main look and idea of the original project have been kept.Since 1991 the Parliament has one more building, which is located near the main National Assembly building. This new building is found at Alexander Batemberg Square.
The square also boasts one of Sofia’s impressive monuments, the one of Tsar Osvoboditel. It was set up to honour Russian Emperor Alexander II, who led Russian troops in the war against the Ottoman Empire, resulting in Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule.

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