Sofia secrets: your essential guide to Bulgaria's heart

A bit of context

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Sofia is strategically located in the Sofia Valley, surrounded by the Vitosha, Lyulin, and Balkan Mountains. This geographic positioning has made it a natural crossroads between Europe and Asia, a factor that has greatly influenced its development over the millennia. The city stands on the banks of the Iskar River, with its elevation of approximately 550 meters above sea level giving it a mild continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters.

The earliest evidence of human settlement in the area dates back to the 8th century BCE when the Thracian tribe of the Serdi established a settlement here, giving the city its ancient name, Serdica. Over time, Sofia became an important center in the Roman Empire, especially after Emperor Trajan established it as a municipium in the 1st century CE. The remnants of Roman architecture, including the amphitheater, public baths, and streets, are still visible in Sofia today, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient past.

Sofia’s strategic importance continued through the medieval period when it became a part of the First Bulgarian Empire in the 9th century. It was during this time that the city gained its current name, derived from the Greek word "Sophia," meaning wisdom, after the Church of St. Sofia. The church, built in the 6th century, is one of the oldest and most significant landmarks in the city, symbolizing the spiritual and cultural continuity of Sofia through the ages. The city later fell under Ottoman rule in the 14th century and served as a significant administrative and trade center in the empire for nearly five centuries.