Where?
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. With a history stretching back over 6,000 years, it is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Once known as Serdica during Roman times, Sofia was a key trade center in the empire. Over the centuries, it changed hands many times—conquered by the Bulgarians in the 9th century, later taken by the Byzantine Empire, reclaimed by the Bulgarians, and eventually becoming a major stronghold of the Ottoman Empire. After Bulgaria gained independence in the late 19th century, Sofia was chosen as the nation’s capital—a role it has held for over 140 years.
The city’s present-day appearance reflects the many twists and turns of the 20th century. Before World War II, Bulgaria was a parliamentary monarchy, and Sofia’s architecture was heavily influenced by Austrian, French, and German styles. In the post-war years, Bulgaria became part of the Eastern Bloc, and the city’s urban landscape shifted to reflect communist ideals. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Bulgaria has undergone a democratic transition and is now a proud member of NATO and the European Union.
All of these historical layers come together to give Sofia its unique and fascinating character today.
