Sofia

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, located in the western part of the country at the foot of the Vitosha mountain range and along the Iskar River. It serves as Bulgaria’s political, economic, cultural, and educational center. The city proper has about 1.2 million inhabitants, with a metropolitan population that is larger.

Historically, Sofia has been inhabited since antiquity and has seen Thracian, Macedonian, and Roman settlements. It gained prominence as a regional center under various empires and was designated the capital of modern Bulgaria in 1879 after the Liberation from Ottoman rule. The city developed through multiple architectural periods, from neoclassical to socialist-era styles, and today blends historic landmarks with contemporary districts.

Geographically, Sofia sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, which influences its climate and provides access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Vitosha Mountain. The surrounding terrain supports a mix of urban and residential areas with extensive green spaces.

Economically, Sofia is Bulgaria’s main economic hub, concentrating finance, information technology, services, and research. It hosts national institutions and a number of multinational companies. Educational and research facilities are strong, with several universities operating in the city, including Sofia University, the Technical University of Sofia, and the University of National and World Economy.

Culturally, Sofia contains numerous theatres, museums, and galleries. Notable landmarks include Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Church, the National Theatre, and the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The National Palace of Culture serves as a major convention and events center, while parks such as Borisova Gradina and the foothills of Vitosha provide outdoor spaces.

Transportation includes buses, trams, trolleybuses, and a metro system, along with Sofia Airport handling international and domestic flights.