Sofia, Capital City Of Bulgaria
January 2006
The capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia was a very pleasant suprise to me.
I am not sure exactly what I expected but certainly not what I found. A modern developing city immersed in history and culture. Beautiful historic architecture and open parks and streets that feel safe and peaceful.
This was a winter visit, with temperatures as low as -20 C. In summer I am sure that Sofia is far more beautiful still.
Built in 1981 the dangerously decaying 1300th Anniversary Monument of the Bulgarian State. One of many controversial socialist monuments that may not survive to far into the future.
This fountain serves hot spring water to local Sophians.
A striking statue of Vasil Levski, Bulgarian revolutionary, in a park close to the famous Russian church that can just be seen overexposed in the background of this picture.
Sofia's main shopping street early on a winters morning.
A bookseller in the book market encourages me to stop taking pictures and to think about buying a book.
The new and the old. This tree is ripping out the gates and fence of an old Sofia building.
The former communist party building of Bulgaria is now the national assembly.
1300th Anniversary Monument. In the background at the back of Bulgaria square the National Palace of Culture more commonly known as the NDK.
City center street with locals going about there today to day business.
There are plenty of old cobbled street and endless interesting shops in and around the back streets of Sofia. All the streets are tree lined and have a pleasant tranquility about them.
Church of St George or St George Rotunda. Built in the 4th Century, this church is considered the oldest building in Sofia.It can be found in the courtyard behind the Sheraton Hotel amongst the remains of the ancient town of Serdica
A sculpture of a dove made entirely from rifle barrels makes a solid perch for this Sofia sparrow.
It's interesting to see where a red star once resided on this government building. The Communist party building also had its red star removed with the help of a helicopter to officially mark the end the of the communist party's monopoly.
