If someone thinks that Sofia has always been the capital of Bulgaria, then this is not so. There were several capitals. All in order.
Pliska
Pliska is the first capital of Bulgaria. The city was the capital until 893. Here Tsar Boris I adopted Christianity. The remains of this medieval city are located in the area of today's Pliska, Kaspichan and Novi Pazar, in the Shumen region. On the site of the first Bulgarian capital, there is the Pliska National Historical and Archaeological Reserve. Recommended for sightseeing are the Great Basilica and the Historical Museum, which are located on the territory of the reserve.
Veliky Preslav
Located 20 km. from the city of Shumen. It was declared the Bulgarian capital in 893. It housed the famous Preslav Book School. Clement of Ohridsky, Konstantin Preslavsky, John Exarch, Presbyter Cosma served and worked here. There is a National Historical and Archaeological Museum in Veliky Preslav.
Ohrid
Ohrid is currently located on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid. Ohrid was not always Macedonian. This city was Roman, Byzantine, Serbian and Bulgarian. Ohrid was the capital of Bulgaria in the X-XI centuries, or more precisely, the city was declared the capital by Tsar Samuel in 978. The restored Samuil's fortress is one of the most famous sights of the city.
Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo is located in Northern Bulgaria, on the slopes of the Yantra River. In the period from 1018 to 1187 it was under Byzantine rule. After the uprising of the brothers Asen and Peter and the restoration of the Bulgarian statehood, Veliko Tarnovo was proclaimed the capital of Bulgaria. In fact, it was her until the fall under Ottoman slavery in 1393, but formally the capital from Veliko Tarnovo to Sofia was transferred only in 1879, i.e. we can say that Veliko Tarnovo has been the capital of Bulgaria longer than any other Bulgarian capital.
The most famous tourist sites of the city are the fortresses of Tsarevets and Trapezitsa, the churches of 40 Martyrs, Peter and Paul, St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki. In total, there are 1613 objects of historical heritage in Bulgaria in the city. Here, on February 10, 1879, the Tarnovo Constitution was adopted, which gave rise to the Third Bulgarian Kingdom, of which Alexander Batenberg was proclaimed Grand Duke.
Sofia
Sofia is located in the central part of Western Bulgaria. The total area of the city is 1344 sq. km, and the average height above sea level is 590 m.
Archaeological finds from the Neolithic era are of particular interest for tourists. In ancient times, on the site of today's Sofia, there was the Thracian city of Serdika, after which it became a Roman fortress, then the medieval city of Sredets.
With the invasion of the Turks, some of the Sofia fortresses resisted until 1388. Liberated from the Ottoman Empire, Sofia was General Gurko on January 4, 1878, and on April 3, 1879 became the fifth capital of Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is a beautiful country famous for its tourist resorts, outstanding sights and centuries-old history.
The modern capital of Bulgaria - Sofia. The city was founded in the 1st century AD, but the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia became only in 1879 g... The city occupied a very significant place in the history of the country. Four hundred years ago it was the second shopping center of the Balkan Peninsula after Constantinople (Istanbul).
Capital of Bulgaria on the map
During its existence, the city has acquired many interesting attractions... The most recognizable among them is Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky... This temple was built by the Russian architect Alexander Pomerantsev. Russian artists worked on the interior decoration, including the famous Viktor Vasnetsov, the author of such pictures familiar from childhood as "Three Heroes" and "Alyonushka".
Another interesting sight Sofia - mosque Bath Bashi... This mosque, one of the oldest in Europe, was completed in the 16th century. Now, by her appearance, she reminds of the fact that the history of the city has not been without the Ottoman presence. The mosque owes its birth to the Ottoman architect Haji Mimar Sinan, who created the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.
Walking around the capital of Bulgaria Sofia, it is worth getting acquainted with another building, in the name of which the word "bath" is present - with Sofia Central Mineral Bath... Behind this building, the main decoration of which is a graceful facade, there is a complex of fountains, from which you can take with you a bottle of tasty and healthy mineral water.
The program - minimum for tourists also includes changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace. You can enjoy how the brave guardsmen proudly march in 11 o'clock in the morning.
Do you know what it was called first capital Bulgaria?
Ancient capitals of Bulgaria
Pliska
The first capital Pliska in Bulgaria (681-893), was located a few kilometers from the modern city of the same name in the Shumen region. The city is notable for the fact that it was founded by Khan Asparuh, who is considered the founder of the entire Bulgarian state. Unfortunately, today only ruins remain of this beautiful city. But on the site of the ancient city is open national reserve of history and archeology.
Veliki Preslav
Veliki Preslav, which is also in the Shumen region, became second the capital of Bulgaria after the famous Preslav National Church Council in 893. The relocation of the capital had a very serious impact on Christianization Bulgaria, since the first capital was considered pagan... During the Middle Ages, this city was considered one of the most beautiful and remarkable places in all of Europe.
Skopje and Ohrid
The next capitals of Bulgaria were Skopje (972-992) and Ohrid (992-1018), these cities are now located on the territory Macedonia.
Capital of Bulgaria from 1185 to 1393 For years it was located in Veliko Tarnovo. This is a very colorful city with a long history. The most significant landmark of the city is the ancient fortress Tsarevets standing on three hills. At the height of the tourist season, the city is visited by a huge number of history buffs. The city leaves unforgettable emotions, obviously, that is why it is so loved by the Bulgarians. You can read more about this unique city
Vidin
After Veliko Tarnovo Vidin became the capital of Bulgaria. The city is unique in that it was built by the ancient Romans. It is located close to the border with Romania and Serbia. From the middle 14th century to early 15th century Vidin was the capital of Western Bulgaria. It housed the residence of the Bulgarian kings from the Shishmanovich dynasty. Among the sights of Vidin, the well-preserved medieval feudal fortress stands out castle Baba Vida.
Nikopol
Nikopol was the capital of Bulgaria for only 2 years, until its complete capture by the Ottoman army. A part of history is connected with this city when Bulgaria was under the rule of the powerful Ottoman Empire.
- 110994 km2.
Population of Bulgaria. 7.171 million people (
Bulgaria GDP. $55.73 billion (
Administrative divisions of Bulgaria... Consists of 8 areas that include communities. The city of Sofia also has the status of a region.
Form of government in Bulgaria... Parliamentary republic.
Head of State of Bulgaria... President elected for a term of 5 years.
Supreme legislative body of Bulgaria... Unicameral National Assembly.
Supreme Executive Body of Bulgaria... Council of Ministers.
Major cities of Bulgaria... Plovdiv, Varna, Rousse, Burgas.
State language of Bulgaria... Bulgarian.
Religion of Bulgaria... 85% are Orthodox, 13% are Muslims.
Ethnic composition of Bulgaria... 87% - Bulgarians, 9% - Turks, 2.5% -, 2.5% - Macedonians.
Currency of Bulgaria... Leo = 100 stotinkas.
Climate of Bulgaria... Continental, transitional. The average annual temperature is + 13 ° С. reaches zero in January. The average temperature of the warmest month - July - is from + 23 ° С to + 25 ° С. in the lowlands they fall in the amount of 500-600 mm per year, in the mountains - 1000-1200 mm per year. The whole country from west to east is crossed by the Balkan Mountains, where the vertical is clearly traced. The highest point is Mount Musala (2925 m). Flora. Forests cover up to 30% of the territory of Bulgaria. There are oak, hornbeam, beech, elm, ash, pine, spruce, fir.
Capital of Bulgaria- City of Sofia.
More than 200 museums function in the country.
The main ones are in Sofia, for example:
- National Museum of Natural History;
- National Ethnographic Museum;
- Zoological Museum in the zoo;
- Botanical Museum;
- Museum of the History of Sofia;
- National Art Gallery.
- National Archaeological Museum;
Not far from Sofia is the Boyana Church with its unique frescoes.
In the city of Pernik, which is also located not far from the capital, there are the ruins of a Byzantine fortress.
Not far from the city of Plovdiv, there is a monastery of the 11th century - the Bachkovo Monastery.
Among the architectural monuments of Sofia:
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral of the XIX century, erected in honor of the fallen Russian soldiers, Remains of the Cathedral of St. Sophia - VI century, Buyul Jamia Mosque - XV century, Cathedral of St. George - IV century;
Religion and language in Bulgaria:
The population of Bulgaria is 7 365 000 people. Ethnic groups inhabiting it: Bulgarians - 85%, Turks - 9%, Gypsies - 4.5% and other nationalities - Armenians, Greeks, Macedonians, etc. - 1.5%.
The official language of the country is Bulgarian; Cyrillic is used in writing.
Foreign languages that are used in the country are English, German, French and Russian.
Religion - Orthodoxy - 85%, Islam about 13%, there are also Catholics, Protestants and Jews.
The Church in Bulgaria is autonomous, headed by Patriarch Neophytos.
Geography and nature.
Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe, stretches on the Balkan Peninsula, borders Romania in the north and east of the country, Macedonia and Serbia, borders in the west, in the south of the country with Greece and Turkey.
Most of the country's territory is mountainous or hilly area with rich forests - mixed or coniferous forest.
The Balkan Mountains cross the country from the Black Sea to the northwest; they form a watershed between the Aegean Sea and the Danube.
In the south, the border with Greece runs along the Rhodope Mountains.
The highest point in Bulgaria is the Musala peak 2925 m, located in the south-west of Bulgaria in the Rila mountains.
Closer to the east, there are several valleys, one of them is the Thracian Valley.
The largest river in Bulgaria is the Danube, with its tributaries Yantra and Iskar.
Other rivers in Bulgaria are Kamchia, Struma and Maritsa.
Sights:
Cities-museums of world importance are Veliko Tarnovo, Tryavna, Arbanassi, Bozhentsi, Zheravna, Kotel, Koprivshtitsa, Melnik, Nessebar, Sozopol, Balchik, Shiroko-Lyka and Plovdiv.
However, most tourists are attracted to Bulgaria by the beautiful Black Sea beaches located in the vicinity of Varna.
The ancient Greeks called the Black Sea "Pontus Euxinsky", which means a hospitable sea.
Indeed, on the Bulgarian Riviera, the sea is hospitable and tempting - no ebb and flow, clean and calm.
Famous resorts, pearls of Bulgaria are Albena, Golden Sands, St. Constantine and Elena, in the south Sunny Beach and St. Vlas.
Although there is a category of vacationers who prefer to combine sea holidays with the romance of ancient cities such as Balchik, Nessebar and Sozopol.
Convenient road, sea, rail and air transport, in Varna and Burgas, connect the Bulgarian Riviera with any country and also with the whole world.
The Golden Sands resort is located in the most ecologically clean area of the Black Sea coast, in a national park. The distance to Varna is about 18 km. There are many hotels, complexes, all kinds of entertainment in the Golden Sands resort, including a water park, restaurants, clubs, shops. It is good to relax here for both young people and spend a family vacation with children - the pine forest gives the air a special and healthy resinous taste, and in addition, the combination of the smell of the sea gives an incredible combination that gives delight.
Sunny Beach resort is located in the southern part of Bulgaria. It is located in a beautiful bay. Not far from the resort there is an architectural and historical monument that must be visited - the ancient city of Nessebar.
The beach strip here is 8 kilometers long and 40 meters wide.
A lot of hotels, recreation complexes, a lot of nightclubs, various kinds of entertainment.
If you are a lover of winter recreation and skiing, we advise you to definitely visit the famous ski resorts such as Pamporovo, Bansko and Borovets.
The Pamporovo resort is located in the picturesque area of the Rhodope Mountains, ideal for those who are passionate about skiing and snowboarding! There are excellent tracks, always well maintained.
If, in addition to skiing and snowboarding, you are a fan of nightlife and shopping, then we advise you to go to Bansko.
Climate and weather in Bulgaria:
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Useful data for tourists about Bulgaria, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Bulgaria, cuisine, peculiarities of visa and customs restrictions in Bulgaria.
Geography of Bulgaria
State in South-Eastern Europe, in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. Washed by the Black Sea. It shares borders with Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Macedonia and Romania. Most of the country - the mountain ranges of Stara Planina, Sredna Gora, Rila with Mount Musala (the highest point of the Balkan Peninsula, 2925 m), Pirin, Rhodope. In the north of Bulgaria - the Lower Danube Plain, in the center - the Kazanlak Basin, to the south - the vast Upper Thracian Lowland. Forests cover about a third of the territory, mostly deciduous.
,State
State structure
Parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president. Elected by direct ballot for a term of five years.
Language
State language: Bulgarian
Mostly they speak Russian well. In the course - English, German and French.
Religion
More than 85% of the country's inhabitants are Orthodox Christians, 12% of the population are Sunni Muslims. Jews make up 0.8%, Catholics 0.5%, Protestants 0.5%.
Currency
International name: BGN
One lion is divided into 100 stotinks. In circulation there are coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 leva, as well as banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 leva.
History of Bulgaria
The mild climate and richness of nature in Bulgaria have long attracted settlers. More than 500 thousand years ago, the first people appeared here, and in the IV millennium BC there were settlements of the ancient Aryans. One of their tribes, the Thracians, finally settled on the territory of modern Bulgaria and in the 5th century BC managed to create their own state, which became the birthplace of the legendary leader of the gladiators - Spartacus.
The most powerful powers of the ancient world did not spare their efforts to conquer the small kingdom. This land had to survive the invasions of Greek colonists, Scythians, Persians and Macedonians. In the 1st century AD, the Romans managed to conquer the Thracians and establish dominion over them for 400 years. From the end of the 4th century, during the era of the Great Migration, the raids of neighboring tribes resumed, which contributed to a change in the ethnic composition. In the 7th century, the Slavs who came from across the Danube assimilated the local population and from the second half of the 7th century entered into an alliance with a small group of Proto-Bulgarians (part of the Turkic-speaking people, driven out by the Khazars from the lower reaches of the Kuban). So in 680 the First Bulgarian Kingdom was formed. At the turn of the 9th-10th centuries, it reached its highest power, completely owning almost the entire Balkan Peninsula. But already in the middle of the 10th century, the Bulgarian-Slavic state entered a period of severe crisis and at the beginning of the 11th century lost its independence, submitting to Byzantium. The successful uprising against the oppressors, raised by the brothers Peter and Asen, returned independence to the country. The Second Bulgarian Kingdom was formed.
The invasion of the Mongol-Tatars, exhausting competition for hegemony in the Balkans with Serbia and Byzantium, internal troubles led to the collapse of the kingdom and its conquest at the end of the XIV century by the Turks. The darkest period of Bulgarian history has come - the Muslim yoke, which lasted almost 500 years. It was destroyed after the defeat of Turkey in the war with Russia (1877-1878) thanks to the joint actions of the rebels and the Russian army. In 1908, the independent Third Bulgarian Kingdom emerged. However, Germany tried to tear him away from Russia and dragged him into the First World War on its side. Despite the defeat in the war, the ruling circles of the state retained their orientation towards Germany and entered into an alliance with Hitler. A new defeat in World War II made it possible to establish a republic in the country, Bulgaria fell into the sphere of influence of the USSR, all power passed to the communists. With the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s, this long-suffering land began building a democratic society.
The mild climate and richness of nature in Bulgaria have long attracted settlers. More than 500 thousand years ago, the first people appeared here, and in the IV millennium BC there were settlements of the ancient Aryans. One of their tribes, the Thracians, finally settled on the territory of modern Bulgaria and in the 5th century BC managed to create their own state, which became the birthplace of the legendary leader of gladiators - Spartacus ...
Popular attractions
Tourism in Bulgaria
Where to stay
The tourist resorts of Bulgaria are characterized by a special climate, a developed hotel base, excursions and entertainment. Hotels in Bulgaria are among the cheapest in Europe. All local hotels comply with the standard European classification: from one to five stars. Most of the hotels in Bulgaria are three and four-star, which makes the country accessible for recreation for people with any financial capabilities.
Certification of hotels in the country is mandatory. Thanks to this, the quality of service always matches the declared stars. Stars are awarded not only to hotels, but also to campgrounds, motels, and rental apartments, depending on the level of service provided. Each of the accommodation options in Bulgaria has its own star rating, namely: private hotels, motels and apartments for rent cannot have more than three stars. In turn, campgrounds and cottages are rated between one and two stars.
One-star hotels in Bulgaria have minimal amenities. The prerequisites for a hotel of this class are: the availability of parking, telephones, safes and a postal service. In contrast to one-star hotels, the obligatory minibar and TV in the room, as well as laundry and dry cleaning services, are added to the traditional requirements for two-star hotels. Three-star hotels in Bulgaria have a playground, a conference room, as well as the possibility of renting a car and guide services. In addition to the services available in lower-class hotels, a four-star hotel must have a fitness center, swimming pool and parking. Also, the unspoken standard is room service, five meals a day and the presence of Internet in the room. The five-star hotel, according to Bulgarian standards, is a hotel complex that includes conference rooms, shops, restaurants, bars, a gym, a spa center, a beauty salon and 24-hour room service.
Popular hotels
Excursions and attractions in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is located in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula - one of the most attractive tourist countries. The sun and azure sea, magnificent beaches and mineral springs, mountains and wonderful ski slopes, important historical monuments and traditional Bulgarian cuisine will make your vacation varied and unforgettable. Natural attractions and rich cultural and historical heritage introduce you to the history and national traditions of this colorful country.
The capital of Bulgaria Sofia is one of the oldest European cities. Since ancient times, it has been known for its mineral and thermal springs. One of the most impressive sights not only of the capital, but of the whole country is the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, located on the eponymous square of Sofia. A wonderful architectural structure made of granite and white stone was erected in honor of the liberation of Bulgaria. Among the most interesting places in the city, it is worth highlighting the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the Church of St. Nicholas, the Rotunda of St. George, the Cathedral of Light of the Week (Holy Resurrection), the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Buyuk Mosque (Archaeological Museum), the Dragalevsky Monastery, the National Historical Museum and the National Art Gallery of Bulgaria.
Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans. Its history goes back about three thousand years. To this day, the ruins of various ancient structures have been preserved here: an amphitheater, a Roman market, a stadium, a basilica, thermae. The old part of the city is surrounded by the remains of a stone Thracian fortress. Mosques "Imaret" and "Jumaya" have survived from the time of the Ottoman rule. Also among the sights of Plovdiv are the Church of St. Marina, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, the Church of St. Dimitar, as well as the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museums.
The city of Varna (and the surrounding areas), located on the Black Sea coast, is not only a popular Bulgarian resort, but also an important cultural center. Here you can see a huge number of important historical sites and museums. The symbol of the city is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, located on Cyril and Methodius Square. Varna has a wonderful Seaside Park "Morska Gradina", which houses the Palace of Culture and Sports, a zoo, a dolphinarium, a planetarium, an Aquarium and a Museum of Nature. Also of great interest is the Archaeological Museum, the pride of which is the collection of gold items of the 6th millennium BC. In the suburbs of Varna, it is worth visiting the Evksinograd Palace, surrounded by a gorgeous park, the "Stone Forest" valley with impressive columns (up to 6 m high), which are 50 million years old and the Aladzha Monastery.
Bulgarian cuisine
The dishes of the Bulgarian cuisine are similar to the dishes of the Armenian and Georgian cuisines. Such dishes as soup-kharcho, piti, kebabs, lula-kebab, basturma, chakhokhbili are especially close to Bulgarian ones.
Many Bulgarian national dishes are cooked on a skar - a large oven with a metal grill. Kebapchets, lamb kebabs, kebabs, fillets, chicken, chops, zrazy stuffed with sweet peppers, game dishes are prepared on the oven grates.
In Bulgarian cuisine, fresh and pickled vegetables are widely used; all kinds of vegetable dishes and side dishes are prepared from them. Bulgarian cooks perfectly combine vegetables with fish, meat, flour, egg and dairy products.
Typical of the Bulgarian cuisine is the use of sour milk, yogurt, feta cheese and kashkavala cheese (sheep's cheese) for preparing cold snacks, soups and main courses.
Bulgarian chefs, using feta cheese in food, often subject it to heat treatment. To do this, feta cheese is mixed with butter, wrapped in parchment paper and heated. When hot, feta cheese acquires a pleasant taste and aroma, becomes tender, soft and juicy. Of the first courses, chicken broth with egg yolk, vegetable soup with pasta, zucchini soup, pork soup with apples, chorba, lamb soup, kharcho soup, pickle soup, mashed soups from various vegetables and meat products and tarators are very popular (cold soups with sour milk).
From the second courses, lamb, veal and pork with cabbage, pork chops, lula kebabs, steaks, fillets, kebabs and lamb ragout are widespread, gyuvechi - dishes of meat, rice and vegetables, plakia - dishes from vegetables, onions, garlic, etc. spices, stewed with vegetable oil, yahnii - stew with vegetables and onions or only vegetables with onions, kebabs - pieces of meat fried on a spit, and of course, kebapchets - short sausages made from minced meat fried on a wire rack over hot deciduous coals trees, cabbage rolls, stuffed tomatoes and zucchini, omelettes. Salads (from tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, paprika, green beans, green salad) are served separately for the second meat dishes.
