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Bulgaria
Bulgaria has changed a lot during the last 20 years. From being a communist ruled state on the other side of the Iron Curtain it has changed into a country with some progress towards free market reforms and own tourist industry. The Bulgarian nation has come a long way since it threw off the 500-year old yoke of the Ottoman Empire in the 1870's, and is now still struggling to cope with the aftermath of Communist misrule.
Renaming themselves the Bulgarian Socialist Party, the Communist long remained the dominant force in national politics after 1989. The election of a right-of-centre government in April 1997 gave ground for new hope, although low wages and high unemployment seem to remain ever-present features of Bulgarian life.
Bulgaria has a large number of travel destinations, but independent travel is not really common, although there are relatively few restrictions and costs are very low. The country offers a beautiful mountainous scenery as well as sandy beaches on the Black Sea coast. You will find ski resorts, deep forests, ancient monasteries, greek and roman remains and the fascinating capital Sofia is a must for Bulgaria travelers. Veliko turnovo, the ancient capital, is a young and vibrant city that deserves a visit as well.
Sofia
Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is quite a nice city. It has a few very beautiful churches - the Nevski and the St. Sofia are the best known, a few good museums and nice parks to relax. Since the fall of communism new restaurants and bars have come up that cater for all tastes.
From Sofia you can make excellent day trips to the mountains nearby. The Rila Monastery which is not too far from the city is a must see for any traveler and a highlight of Byzantine art and culture.
Sightseeing
Nevski Church
Completed in 1912 in honour of the Russian casualties of the 1877-78 War of Liberation from Ottoman Rule. Gold-domed, it is the finest piece of architecture in the Balkans. Craftsmen and artists from 6 countries worked on the five-aisle church in the course of 30 years and created real masterpiec more..
St.Sofia Church
The 4th-6th century basilica was built during the reign of Justinian. It has survived intact with 1600- year-old mosaic details and towards the end of the C14 gave the city its name. Beside the wall of the church is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Nearby is the grave of the national poet and wri more..
Palace of Culture
The biggest Congress Centre in the Balkans. It is located in the centre of the city and faces the Vitosha Mountain.
Nedelya Curch
Built in medieval times and known as the Church of the Blessed Sveti Kral. The current building was reconstructed after 1925 when it was almost completely destroyed by a bomb explosion.
Levski Monument
Vassil Levski was the principal architect of the campaign to free Bulgaria from the oppression of the Ottoman Empire. The monument marks the spot where he was hanged by the Turks in 1873.
University
Built a decade after Sofia became Bulgaria's capital in 1879 with funds bequeathed by the brothers Evlogi and Christo Georgiev.
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