Bulgaria > Introduction

Located in South Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania, Turkey and Greece, Bulgaria can be an exciting destination or somewhere for quiet time away from the fast pace of other European cities.

For hikers, the Rila Lakes at 2200 meters above the sea level are one of the most picturesque places in Bulgaria and are rated as the #1 hikers destinations.

Located in western Bulgaria, the capital city of Sophia with a population of 1.87 million, is one of the oldest capital cities in Europe. It is lies at the foot of the mountain massif Vitosha, and it's history dates back to the 8th century BC, when Thracians established a settlement there. Sofia has had several names in the different periods of its existence, and remnants of the city's ancient history can still be seen alongside today's modern landmarks.

Some of Sofia's popular tourist attractions:
The late Roman Church of St George (4th century), situated in the courtyard of the Hilton Sofia Hotel.
The outdoor book-market on Slaveykov Square.
The 6th century Byzantine Church of St Sophia.
The gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
St Nedelya Church
The fine frescoes in the tiny 14th century Church of St Petka of the Saddlers.
The Banya Bashi Mosque.
The Sofia Synagogue.
The Bulgarian National Historical Museum.
The National Palace of Culture cultural and congressional centre.
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre.
The National Gallery of Foreign Art.
The National Archaeological Museum.
The beautifully decorated Sofia Public Mineral Baths.
TZUM, Sofia's oldest and largest department store.
Sofia's central boulevards paved with Viennese yellow cobblestones.
Vitosha mountain, one of Sofia's landmarks, just a short drive or lift trip away. Ski and snowboard in winter, and hike in summer.
Borisova gradina, (Sofia's main and oldest public garden)
The Largo, an architectural complex in downtown Sofia.

The Beauty Of Bulgaria Scenic Slide Show