Useful and Interesting Information About Sofia
Short History of Sofia
The oldest findings in Sofia date back to 6,000 years BC, including the Slatina Neolithic settlement. The earliest evidence of settlement dates to the Bronze Age. Although there are limited remains from this settlement, they do exist, although most have been destroyed. References to the area where modern-day Sofia is located appear in ancient Greek sources in the middle of the 5th century BC. When the Romans arrived in this region, various sources referred to the local inhabitants as “Sardi,” and the settlement as “Serdonpolis,” which means the city of the Sardi. Read more about the history of Sofia.
The National Palace of Culture
In the 1970s, the area where the current National Palace of Culture (NPK) stands was occupied by a freight railway, old buildings, barracks, and hectares of empty land. At that time, during a meeting of the municipal leadership of the Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), they decided to construct a large cultural center on this site. The initial architectural competition did not produce a winner for various reasons. After heated discussions, a consensus was reached, and a project was created. The architects behind it were Alexander Barov and the engineer Bogdan Atanasov.
Banya Bashi Mosque
Banya Bashi is a mosque in Sofia, and it is the only preserved functioning medieval mosque in the city. It was built by the Ottoman architect Sinan, who designed over 300 buildings. Its name means “The Mosque by the Bath” due to the spring beneath it. It used to be part of a bath complex. Above the door’s arch, there is an inscription on stone that is unreadable. Below it, the date 974 is inscribed, leading to the theory that the mosque was built in the year 974 of the Islamic calendar, which corresponds to 1566 in the modern calendar.
Sport Sofia – 2000
Sport Sofia 2000 is the name of the company that manages this location. It is divided into sectors for various sports. It is located next to the National Palace of Culture (NDK), and their prices are excellent, which you can check in advance on their website. Here, you will find everything you need, including water sports, ball sports, and more.
Art Hotel 158
The hotel is located approximately 500 meters from the Council of Ministers and the Banya Bashi Mosque. If you stay here, you can take advantage of various amenities such as a 24-hour reception, parking, free Wi-Fi, and much more. This hotel has a Travel Sustainable Level 3 rating, which means they have implemented 24 out of 29 steps for sustainable development.
Museum of Illusions
One of the more interesting places in Sofia, not related to history or religion, is the Museum of Illusions. There, you will find various opportunities for photos. Experienced guides will explain to you how to achieve the desired effect through perspective or shadow. The museum is located on a central boulevard. Parking around it is paid, and finding a spot can be challenging. Find even more interesting locations when you rent a car in Sofia.
Address
161 Iztochna Tangenta str.
- Mon – Sat: 09:00 – 18:00
- Sun: Closed
Phone
+359886402020
Location Fees
- Pick-Up: 0 EUR
- Return: 0 EUR
- Early Pick-Up: 25 EUR
- Late Return: 25 EUR