ofia - one of the oldest cities in Europe with ancient history going back to Roman times, when it was called Serdica - keeps outstanding archaeological, historical and cultural monuments created through the ages by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Turks and Bulgarians. Feel the spirit of the capital and visit:

ALEXANDER NEVSKI MEMORIAL CHURCH
is the finest piece of architecture on the Balkans. Completed in 1912 in honor of the Russian casualties of the 1877-78 War of Liberation from Ottoman Rule the church possesses a superb collection of icons - the best in Bulgaria. Craftsmen and artists from 6 countries worked on the five-aisle church for over 30 years to create all these real masterpieces of icons, frescoes, murals and huge chandeliers. Egyptian alabaster, Brazilian onyx, gold and mosaics embody the spirit of the finest Eastern Orthodox traditions.

ST. GEORGE'S ROTUNDA
(4th century) is one of the oldest architectural monuments in the capital with stylish symmetrical silhouette and original frescoes dated between the 5th and 14th century. The frieze on the dome depicts 22 Prophets, over 2 meters high. Neighboring are remnants of a Roman street with public buildings.

ST. SOFIA CHURCH
The 4th-6th century basilica was built during the reign of Justinian. Two layers of frescoes and mosaics depicting trees, flowers and birds have been recovered. A legend says that a princess by the name of Sofia was buried in the church and the city is named after her. Nearby is the grave of the national poet and writer Ivan Vazov, marked by an engraved boulder.

CHURCH OF ST. NEDELYA
Built in the middle of the 19th century, it is known as the Church of the Blessed Sveti Kral. The current building was reconstructed after 1925 when it was almost completely destroyed after a bomb explosion.

SOFIA UNIVERSITY
is the most prestigious university in Bulgaria. It was built a decade after Sofia became Bulgaria's capital in 1879 with funds bequeathed by the brothers Evlogi and Christo Georgiev.