An Introduction To Sofia For Travellers

By Garry C. Stevens


Borisovata Gradina and the Ariana Lake together form the biggest and best recreational and leisure area in Sofia. It is located close to the Eagles Bridge ( Orlov Most ) and is served by an eclectic mix of eating and drinking multinationals. Also beside it is the Vasil Levski Countrywide Stadium and National Sports Museum. The Alley of the Greats - a web of monuments to the artists and rulers, amongst many others, who all helped shape Bulgaria's history - may also be found here, as well as the Division stadium. Tennis courts and football grounds are also available to be used.

The Vitosha and Lyulin Mountains can be seen wherever you are in Sofia. Travel six miles from the city centre and you'll be in the middle of prime winter skiing grounds. However , throughout the year folk come here to go rock climbing, hill walking and trail cycling. Boyana is at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. This district is definitely worth visiting to see the Nation's History Museum and Boyana Church. Those who need to relax and unwind head to the spa resorts of Lyulin Mountain. Some can be discovered only fifteen minutes from the centre of the city. Bankya and Gorna Banya are noted for the top of the range of the air and their springs, which are stuffed with healthy minerals.

If Sofia has a secret, it is Small Jerusalem ( Sveta Gora ). What it lacks in size, it more than makes up in history and way of life, which often comes as a surprise to many who discover it. This lovely area is composed of 14 Orthodox monasteries, hidden away in picture postcard hamlets near the capital. A number of these look out over the expanse of the magnificent Pancharevo Lake, into which the Iskar Stream flows.

In the late 19th century Bulgaria changed into a free country after the Russo-Turkish War, thanks to the winning Russians. Sofia was crowned the capital city of the Principality of Bulgaria the next year, which about 30 years after would become the Kingdom of Bulgaria. It is kind of ironic that the most disturbed period in the history of the city arrived after it gained its liberty. After the Russian Revolution of Feb 1917, those who were anti monarchy and anti war made their feelings increasingly felt, terminating in the St. Nedelya Church being attacked by the Bulgarian Communist Party on April 16th 1925. 150 civilians died and a conservative guesstimate of 500 were maimed. Their target was to dent the control of the Bulgarian authorities so that the communists could overthrow them.

Vitosha Boulevard starts at Sveta Nedelya Square and is where fashion lovers go to shop until they drop. There are also some excellent cafs in which to pick up some refreshments along the way. It leads to the Vitosha Mountain, from which you can look out over the city. The National Palace of Culture ( locally named the NDK ) is the highlight of the Boulevard. Many concerts and other prominent events are held, due to its situation in a huge green area. An overhead walkway links the NDK Park to the South Park and Hilton.




About the Author:





No comments:

Post a Comment