Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

Sofia 1

With a population of over one million people,

Sofia was founded more than 7,000 years ago

and has been the capital of Bulgaria since 1879.

Today, the city’s historic centre bears witness to

the diverse cultural influences that have shaped

the country. Orthodox churches and an Art

Nouveau syna gogue are evidence of its rich

religious heri tage, while Roman, medieval and

Ottoman-era buildings serve as reminders of

the city’s ancient origins. Adding to the city’s

grandeur are the monumental public buildings

from the Communist period, dotting the down-

town squares and intersections. Beyond the

city centre, residential suburbs are broken up

by attractive swathes of green parkland and

the looming presence of Mount Vitosha.

604 SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE

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200

200

The magnificent Aleksandûr Nevski

Memorial Church

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10

10

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Major sight / Place of interest

Airport

Railway station

Metro station

Visitor information

Parking

Church

Mosque

Motorway

Major road

Minor road

Pedestrian zone

Railway

GREATER SOFIA

SOFIA

Bozhurishte

Bankya

Marchaevo

Bistritsa

Kladnitsa

Dolni

Bogorov

Buhovo

Lokorsko

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18

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Lyulin

Lozenska

Planina

Serdika

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PLOSHTAD

NEDELYASVETA

PLOSHTAD

NEZAVISIMOST

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P IROTSKA

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LADIN

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Rotunda of

Sveti Georgi

Monument to

Sveta Sofia

Banya Bashi

Mosque

Central Market

Hall

Zhenski

Pazar

ALABIN

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Railway Station

1 km (0.6 mile)