Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. It is the cultural, historical, geographical, and economic centre of the country. Population of Sofia accounts for around 2,000,000 people. Recently the population of Sofia is growing due to people coming from the other cities and villages.
Sofia distinguishes itself from the other Bulgarian cities by its unique architecture. The centre of Sofia follows the style of radially round lay-out, while the outskirts have rectangular structure. The Church of St. Sophia is considered the most well-known historical masterpiece.
Symbol of Sofia is the cathedral church of Alexander Nevsky. It was built to show gratitude of Bulgarian people towards two hundreds of Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish war. The construction started in 1882, it continued from 1904 till 1912. This glorious building represents a basilica with elements of Byzantine and Oriental style. The square surrounding the church is also beautiful; here one can find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with eternal flame and a market in the open air. The church of St. Sophia adjoins the square; it is this church that gave the name to the city. In the church they keep the lock of hair of the Apostle of Freedom Vasil Levsky. Behind the church there is the tomb of Ivan Vazov, the patriarch of Bulgarian literature, and in front of the church at the beginning of a public garden there stands a monument to the poet.
The second symbol of the capital is the National Theatre named after Ivan Vazov. The theatre was founded in 1904, and the construction was completed in 1907. The building performed by the style of German classicism includes the elements of the Secession style, which was popular at the times. The interior design was subject to renovation two times - after the fire in 1923 and within the period between 1970 and 1976. Auditorium with two levels has 850 seats.
In Sofia there is a great number of higher education establishments. Here one can find the University named after Kliment Ohridsky and the State Bulgarian Conservatoire.
Large museums of the capital are: the National Archeological Museum, the National Art Gallery, the Ethnographical Museum, and the Museum of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship.
The busiest road of the capital is Vitosha boulevard. It is the largest shopping street, greater part of which is turned into pedestrian zone. Here can be found innumerable shops, banks, cafes, and bars.
Having studied the destinations of Sofia, one can climb the Cherni Vrah Mountain (2,290 m), which is the highest peak of Vitosha Mountains. Cherni Vrah is located at the distance of 20 km to the north from Sofia. In summer the mountain is popular as a place for picnics and walks, and in winter it represents a ski resort. Ski-runs are 1,500 to 2,280 m high; total length of tagged runs is 29 km, while the longest one stretches for 5 km.
Today almost a quarter of the total number of industrial enterprises of the country can be found in Sofia. Particularly developed are: textile industry, metal-processing, machine building, electro technical industry, chemical industry, leather industry, and food-manufacturing industry. In Sofia there come together many transportation routes. Besides, a large international highway Budapest - Belgrade - Sofia - Istanbul runs throught the city. Moreover, the city has its own airport.
