Sightseeing Sofia

 

National Library "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" – St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University / Sofia University is the oldest higher education institution in Bulgaria. It was established on 1 October 1888/ – "St. Alexander Nevski" /dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky – the patron saint of the Russian Emperor Alexander II, called by the Bulgarians "The Liberator"/ – CathedralSt. Sophia Church /remarkable Byzantine architecture dated from the 4 c. AD, an active church, a cultural landmark/ – The National Assembly (Parliament) – The Central Army Club – The Russian Church – Ivan Vazov National Theatre /the oldest and most prestigious theater in Bulgaria after the Liberation, designed by the Viennese architects Helmer and Fellner and built in a Baroque style in 1906/ – The Royal Palace – The Archeology Museum – The Church of St. Petka of the Saddlers /a small one-nave 10-century building partially dug into the ground; underneath is situated an ancient cult place, where ancient tombs are uncovered; the church walls are 1 m thick, built of bricks and stones/

 

Visiting museums and galleries in Sofia

The National History Museum – Boyana Church National Museum /a medieval church, famous for its unique wall paintings dated from 1259; the church is on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List/

 

 

 

Trekking to Cherni Vrah (Black Peak) in Vitosha Nature Park

(spring, summer, autumn)

Cherni Vrah is the highest peak in Vitosha Mountain, situated near Sofia. With an altitude of 2290 m, this is the fourth highest mountain in Bulgaria, following Rila, Pirin, and Stara Planina /a visit to Torfeno Branishte Natural Reserve/.

 

Skiing in Vitosha

(January, February, March)

 

 

Guided tour in the town of Kyustendil

Kyustendil – a town situated in South-Western Bulgaria, 86 km away from Sofia. The town and its surroundings are known as "the orchard of Bulgaria", where popular varieties of cherries, plums, apples, etc. are cultivated. Kyustendil is a spa resort of national importance.

Roman baths /2–3 c. AD/; the Late Antiquity and medieval fortress of Hisarlaka /it is located on the highest flat part of Hisarlaka Hill, 2 km to the southeast of Kyustendil; the fortress was built at the end of the 4 c. and the beginning of 5 c./ – The Pirgos Tower /a medieval defense tower/ – The medieval church of St. George /situated in the southwestern part of Kyustendil in the district of Kolusha; the church has a cross-shaped dome of the inscribed cross type; according to its architectural features and newly discovered medieval frescoes, it can be dated from the end of 10 c. and the beginning of 11 c./ – The Mosque of Ahmed Bey /also known as "Indjili" (the Christian Mosque) was built around the mid-15 c.; the entrance arcade, covered with three small domes, is preserved in its original form/ – Medieval Dervish Bath /a Turkish public bath built in 1566 and working for over 400 years until 1992; in 2005 it was restored in full; an architectural landmark/ – Art Gallery "Vladimir Dimitrov – The Master" /one of the most prominent Bulgarian painters/

(January, February, March)

Kyustendil – Zemen Monastery (11 c.)

 

Visit to Cherepish Monastery

The Cherepish Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary is situated near the railway station of Cherepish, cuddled in the gorge of Iskar River famous for its abundant natural sights. The monastery was founded during the Second Bulgarian Empire in the reign of Tsar Ivan Shishman (1371-1393), but was destroyed with the invasion of the Ottoman Turks and restored in 1660. Since numerous localities here bear the name of Tsar Ivan Shishman, it is believed that the clashes between his troops and the conquerors took place in the vicinity.

 

 

Visit to Rila Monastery

The Rila Monastery is one of the most significant landmarks in Bulgaria, a symbol of the country, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Monastery of St. Ivan of Rila was founded in Rila Mountain on the site of an old hermits' place in 927-941 by the hermit Ivan. In 1335 a defense tower was erected in the monastery courtyard as well as a small one-nave church. The tower is the oldest building preserved in the monastery and belongs to the architectural style of the Tarnovo Artistic School.

Trun Eco-Trail: The Gorge of Erma River and Yablanitsa River

 

Horse-riding lessons near Sofia

Bungee jumping /Vitinya, 115 m/

Paintball

Lessons in Bulgarian folk dances

Rafting in Kresna

Golf

Concerts and opera tickets

                                

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