Sightseeing
Sightseeing Overview
Sofia’s city centre stands upon the foundations of the original Roman settlement, Serdica, although the remains of this city are several meters below ground level. The best starting point for a walking tour is Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, the city’s main traffic hub. From here, a grid of streets radiate out towards the inner ring road, which forms an irregular octagon around town. The main attractions are enclosed within this space and are all within walking distance of one another. From Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, Maria Louiza Boulevard runs north, to the city’s sole surviving functioning mosque, Banya Bashi Dzhamiya (Banya Bashi Mosque). Close by, Tsentralnata Banya (Central Baths), Tsentralni Hali (Central Food Halls) and the Synagogue form a hub of early 20th-century monuments. The boulevard proceeds through an area that becomes progressively run-down as it nears the Central Station. Just off to the left lies Zhenski Pazar (Women’s Market).
Meanwhile, to the south lies Vitosha Boulevard, with the peak of Mount Vitosha proudly rising in the distance. The monumental Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, running east of Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, goes past the exquisite Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai (St Nicholas Russian Church) to arrive at Alexander Nevski Ploshtad, overlooked by Sofia’s star attraction, Hram-pametnik Aleksander Nevski (St Alexander Nevski Memorial Church) and the early Byzantine Tsurkva Sveta Sofia (Church of St Sofia).
Tourist Information
National Information and Advertising Centre
1 Sveta Sofia Ulica
Tel: (02) 987 9778. Fax: (02) 989 6939.
E-mail: info@bulgariatravel.org
Website: www.bulgariatravel.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730.
There is no official tourist information centre in Sofia but the National Information and Advertising Centre is very helpful in providing basic information on Sofia and Bulgaria. The centre keeps copies of the Sofia Echo’s ex-pat ‘what’s on’ guide, Culture Shock, and can make personal recommendations on accommodation or restaurants.
Passes
There are currently no tourist passes available in Sofia.
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