Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and has the motto "Grows Without Aging" which refers to the growing suburbs which are occupied by one tenth of the population of Bulgaria.
Although Sofia has various Byzantine ruins and a few mosques, little
else there is of any real age. The finest architecture postdates
the liberation of Bulgaria from communism, and most of the city is laid out in a grid pattern as an imitation of western cities. Its turn of the century buildings give it a rather dilapidated look. But it is full of wide and shady boulevards which are a delight to walk along.
It is a very laid back and friendly city which is full of bars and restaurants. The strong Russian influences can be seen in the main public buildings, such as the Aleksandâr Nevski Church , which is a magnificent Byzantine-Muscovite building. There are a profusion of museums and public galleries and on the outskirts of the city you will find the medieval frescoes of the Boyana Church and Kremikovtsi Monastery, which are essential viewing for anyone interested in Orthodox art.
Entertainment for many Sofians still revolves around an evening stroll and a coffee in one of the many parks, and haute cuisine is not a strong point in the local restaurants. However, western influences are starting to take hold, and the city's nightlife is improving, with lots of new bars and clubs opening up. Drama and serious music have always played a part in Bulgarian life, especially during the Sofia Music Week,which is an annual festival that takes place in June.
The heart of Sofia is inside the city's inner ring road, which means
that most attractions are within easy walking distance, and the streets are arranged into a grid like pattern centered on the Sveta Nedelya main square which makes it easy to navigate your way around. Trams and taxis are plentiful, and you can usually find your way from one sight to another without too many problems.
