Welcome to Sofia — Bulgaria’s capital: at once so young, so old, and so green.
Here, you can step into the story of a city whose history stretches back thousands of years. Founded around its mineral springs, Sofia unfolds beneath the majestic backdrop of Vitosha Mountain and is now home to more than 1.2 million people.
Sofia is a blend of history, architecture, religion and culture. So many colours, influences and symbols come together in an eclectic cityscape — an old city with a modern European spirit. Sofia feels exciting, surprising, youthful and exotic, shaped over centuries at the meeting point of civilisations, political systems and continents, becoming what makes it so unique and so #soSofia today.
Wander into Sofia’s old heart and discover the ancient civilisations that left behind a legacy still visible today. Look around and experience the city’s remarkable religious diversity and spirit of tolerance. Stroll through its old streets and markets to uncover hidden stories, local crafts and traditional produce. Follow Sofia’s journey from a small Oriental town to a modern European capital.
To Sofia, with love
by Martin Grahovski & Petar Tuhchiev. To Sofia, with Love is a documentary film created to spark curiosity about Sofia among future visitors. Supported by Mastercard, it is part of the #soWelcometoSofia initiative by the #soSofia platform, which tells the stories of 30 of the capital’s most iconic symbols — from antiquity to the present day, and from urban heritage to nature. The project also came to life as a special installation at Terminal 2 of Sofia Airport, realised with the support of Sofia Municipality, Sofia Airport and Mastercard.
What makes Sofia so old?
The centuries of history visible in the Largo and the Ancient Serdica Complex. The remarkable sight of four different houses of worship standing just a few steps from one another. Or the streets of the old Jewish quarter, leading you towards Middle Eastern flavours, local crafts and the produce of Zhenski Pazar. Sofia is made up of so many layers, tracing its journey from a small Oriental town to a modern European capital.
Sofia’s youthful spirit is everywhere.
The National Palace of Culture, where the modern meets the classic; Prince’s Garden, a favourite hangout for young skaters; the National Theatre and the City Garden, where music, games and cheerful sounds carry on well into the night. Meet Sofia’s cool urban crowd at K.E.V.A, Raketa Rakia Bar, Bar Petak and many more colourful restaurants, bars and clubs, where every evening seems to turn into a brand new day.
Sofia is so green!
Green treasures are tucked away all across Sofia and beyond. South Park, Borisova Gradina, the Military Academy Park and many more spots make you feel surrounded by nature while still being right in the heart of the city. Vrana Palace, the Bells Complex and the Botanical Garden offer an inspiring mix of history and nature. And then there is Vitosha Mountain, waiting for you with Boyana Waterfall, Lake Pancharevo, plenty of eco trails and sunny mountain huts.
#soWelcome
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