The Bulgarian capital of Sofia is situated 550 metres above sea level in the Sofiisko pole, 55 km. from the Serbian border and Kalotino checkpoint and 113 km from the Gyushevo checkpoint at Macedonia. It is 183 km. from the Greek border at Kaulata, 315 km. from the Turkish border at Kapitan Andeevo and 324km. from Rousse. The Pancharevo lake and Iskar dam are close to Sofia with the Iskar river to its east.
There are several cinemas here, with the main ones being Moderen teater(Modern theatre), Rex, Serdica, Globus and Dom na kinoto. There is plenty to keep theatregoers happy with the National Theatre Ivan Vazov, the National Opera Ballet, the Theatre of Satire and Humour, the Theatre Salza and Smyah (Tears and Laughter) and the Theatre Sofia.
Sofia has the largest transport terminus in Bulgaria with a subway, and literally dozens of bus lines.
It is surrounded by mountains encircling the plain. Lyulin to the southwest of Sofia, just three kilometres from the ring road,is an excellent place for picnics and walks. Bosnovy Poliani (Bons glades) are the most popular places to visit here. Plana Mountain is about 10 km. south of the capital on the road to Samokov, and has a tenth century Kokalyane monastery built by Tsar Samuil with beautiful Russian frescoes and murals decorating the church. Pancharevo Lake and village are 15 km. from Sofia, and this is an excellent place for sunbathing, fishing, water sports and swimming. Rowing and waterskiing competitions are frequently held here.
Other attractions well worth a visit within the Vitosha's limits are the thirteenth century Boyana church and fifteenth century Dragalevski Monastery which are considered the forerunners of the European Renaissance. The Vranya Residence with its small lake used to be a residence of the late Tsar Boris III. Bankya is 22 km. from the capital and is a balneological center for cardiovascular and pulmonary ailments. It can be reached by bus or train and is a great place to visit for a picnic and walk in its beautiful surrounding countryside.
Vitosha Park covers a large part of the mountain and the central Borissova Gradina (the Garden of Boris) features the Ariana lake where waterwheels operate from Spring to late Autumn. There are numerous tennis courts here, a cycle racing track, the Bulgarian Army soccer stadium and the Vasil Levski National Stadium.
