Vacation in Sofia

Sofia is the largest city and the capital of the Republic of Bulgaria. It is also noted as one of the oldest cities in Europe and the newest European Union capital. With prehistoric settlement excavations in the present city centre, its history can be traced back to 7 000 year ago. Nowadays, this thousand year old history, following up to modern day can be traced not only culturally and archeologically but throughout the very city, with its ancient sites and modern day superstructures. It is a city visited and admired by the thousands of tourists who visit it for its culture, history and as a modern business power city.

While in Sofia, however, there are a few side trips which can be taken and which will reveal the mystical riches of the Bulgarian past and the natural wonders of the country’s geography. The Boyana Church located in the upscale Boyana quarter of the city is one of the protected World Heritage UNESCO sites. Situated at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain, it is a perfectly preserved mediaeval monument dating from the middle ages. Some 117 km. away from the city, the spectacular Rila Monastery is the largest and most well known Eastern Orthodox monastery in the country. Established in the 10th century, it is spread on an area of 8 800 sq.m. and has a spacious, central inner yard. The monastery complex is divided into the main church, the residential part and the monastery museum. The picturesque mountain setting, the beautifully carved domes and richly decorated ceilings and frescos are just some of the reasons why it is one of the most visited sites in Bulgaria.
 Rila Mountain in general is a lush and diverse in fauna and flora. It is the highest mountain range in Bulgaria and the resort of Borovets is a well known ski vacation spot. The Musala peak is at 2 925 m. and the sixth highest in Europe. In addition to the Rila Monastery and Borovets, the breathtaking Seven Rila Lakes, there is also lots of hiking paths and ideal conditions for rock climbing and mountain biking.