Stay in Sofia

Promenade on Vitosha Boulevard, city center.

Before heading to Pravets tomorrow, Lane and I spent today in Sofia.  Not only is Sofia the capital of Bulgaria, but it is also the largest city with 1.3 million residents.  We are staying at the Central Park Hotel, which is just on the edge of the city center and runs along Vitosha Boulevard, a walkway for pedestrians that leads straight to the city's main attractions.  The location has proved to be perfect, the room comfortable, and the staff friendly!

After grabbing some breakfast at a bakery, we went to the Rotunda of St. George.  It is the oldest building in the city, constructed in the 4th century, with the oldest frescoes dating to the 10th century.  Lane and I actually caught the end of a service while there.  

We also stopped at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.  It is the second largest cathedral on the Balkan Peninsula.  It's construction began in 1882 and is modeled in the Neo-Byzantine style.  It is named after the Russian national hero Alexander Nevsky in honor of the many Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War.  As a result of this conflict, Bulgaria gained its independence from the Ottomans.

Crypt underneath Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Although the inside of the cathedral is beautiful, my favorite part is the crypt underneath.  This area has been turned into a museum of icons and ecclesiastical art.  The collection is part of the National Art Gallery.  The holdings were extensive and were beautiful to behold.  

Lane and I also walked through the St. Sofia Church and the St. Nikolai Russian  Church.  My favorite building was actually the bath house. Unfortunately, the building has not served as a bath for many years and sits empty.  However, plans are being made to renovate the building and turn it into a museum.  I find the architecture of this building to be amazing!

Bulgarian Banya, or bath house

Lane and I ate at a restaurant that served traditional Bulgarian food.  They also had folk dancers in traditional costumes and singers who entertained throughout the night.

So far, Lane and I have found the people here to be very friendly.  The hotel staff has especially been kind and helpful.  Lane even practice some German with a waiter at the Pizza Palace, Bulgaria's best pizzeria! In the next post, I will talk all about Pravetz!