Attractions
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Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin
Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that
rise above 8,202ft (2,500m) and more than a hundred glacial lakes
spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old
forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to
the near extinct edelweiss and the Pirin poppy. Characteristic to
the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and
animals, and the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World
Cultural and National Heritage site, with a wide variety of flora
and fauna. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular, and
together with the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountain
settlements and stunning scenery, Pirin National Park is an
attractive tourist destination.
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St Sofia is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in the
city, dating from the 4th to 6th century, and is regarded as one of
the most significant examples of early Christian architecture in
the Balkans. In the 14th century the church gave its name to the
city of Sofia, meaning 'holy wisdom'. During the Turkish rule the
church was converted into a mosque, but was abandoned after two
successive earthquakes destroyed one of the minarets almost 30
years later, and it was again converted into an orthodox church.
Local legends credit St Sofia's miraculous powers for its
protection over the centuries, surviving occupations and natural
disasters to remain as a spiritual inspiration to the
city.
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The rotunda church of St George is considered to be
the oldest building in Sofia, dating to the 4th century, and is
situated amid the remains of the ancient Roman town of Serdica. The
St George Rotunda is famous for its exquisite architecture and
layers of medieval frescoes that were discovered under a covering
of plaster. The church currently functions as a museum and the
magnificent dome is protected by UNESCO.
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One of the finest examples of 20th-century
architecture in Sofia and one of the symbols of the city, the
magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built between 1882 and
1912 to honour the Russian soldiers who died fighting to liberate
Bulgaria from Turkish rule in the war of 1878 under Tsar Alexander
II. The famous church-monument is situated on the tree-lined square
of the same name, which also contains the Monument of the Unknown
Soldier with its eternal flame. The impressive five-nave basilica
houses an interior just as splendid, with mosaics, stained glass
windows, marble and woodcarvings as well as frescoes that cover the
walls and domes. The underground crypt houses the Icon Museum
featuring icon paintings from across the country that represents
masterpieces from the 9th to the 18th century.
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The National Ethnographic Museum has one of the
richest collections on the Balkan Peninsula representing the
traditions, arts, crafts and lifestyle of the Bulgarian people from
the 17th to the 20th century. The museum contains a wealth of
exhibits from around the country, including national costumes,
jewellery, art works and musical instruments. It is also a popular
cultural and educational centre. A craft shop sells crafts and
other traditional Bulgarian items from all over
Bulgaria.
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Rising above Sofia, Vitosha Mountain is one of the
symbols of the capital and is the most visited mountain in
Bulgaria. Starting from where the suburbs end, the whole mountain
has been designated a national park, the oldest in the Balkans, and
is home to deer, bear, wild boar, fox and a variety of rare birds.
Vitosha is known for its 'stone rivers', or moraines, piles of huge
rounded granite boulders carried and deposited by glaciers
thousands of years ago, as well as for its curative mineral
springs. It is popular during any season and the well-known resort
of Aleko is the most established winter ski resort offering modern
hotels and ski facilities within easy reach of the
capital.
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The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries
is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains and is
one of the most significant monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila
Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the 10th
century, and eventually became a monastic complex that played a
primary role in the spiritual history of medieval Bulgaria. Having
survived fire, abandonment and plunder, the monastery fascinates
visitors today with its exquisite architecture, rich murals and
icons and valuable museum collection, including old manuscripts,
jewellery, textiles, church treasures and a library containing
thousands of books.
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In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the
picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular ethnographic centre
that has preserved its original folklore, traditions and crafts.
The Centre for Traditional Bulgarian Arts and Crafts provides a
unique opportunity for visitors to attend courses to learn about
and participate in traditional crafts like folk dancing, weaving,
woodcarving, cooking, music and various artistic handicrafts. In
winter it is a popular base from which to visit the famous ski
resort of Pamporovo, which is only four miles (7km) away and the
surrounding mountains and rivers offer superb hiking, caving, trout
fishing and hunting.
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