Bulgaria

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St. Sofia Temple
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Bulgaria

St. Sofia Temple

5.6
4.9/5
29 reviews

St. Sofia Temple is one of the oldest churches in the city of Sofia. The existing red-brick cruciform structure, along with its two eastern towers and a domed tower, was built in the mid-6th century during the Byzantine era under the reign of Justinian I. It is contemporary with the famous cathedral of the same name in Istanbul and serves as an important remnant of early Christian architecture in Southeast Europe. In the 14th century, Sofia was named after this church, and the church's image is still preserved on the city's coat of arms today. The highlight inside the church is under your feet: the floor is covered with early Christian-era mosaics. The intricate, interlacing floral, animal, and geometric patterns require a closer look to fully appreciate their craftsmanship. Since "St. Sofia" means "Holy Wisdom," the icon inside depicts Sofia as the young Christ seated on a rainbow, which is quite different from typical saint icons. This building has also experienced its share of hardships: the 12th-century frescoes were destroyed, it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period, it was abandoned after two earthquakes in the 19th century, and it was only restored and reopened in the 20th century. An archaeological exhibition area has been opened beneath the church, displaying sarcophagi, brick-vaulted tombs, and dozens of burial sites from the 3rd–5th centuries from the eastern necropolis of the ancient Roman city of Serdica, as well as remains of earlier generations of churches. Some tomb walls still bear paintings; notably, a 5th-century tomb on the northwest side is famous for its red inscription "Honorius, servant of God." Don't miss this "underground city" when you visit. In front of the church's main entrance is the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame. Nearby lies the Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is within walking distance for a combined visit.

Bulgaria · Sofia

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Featured Food & drink in Bulgaria

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Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia
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4.9/5
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Sofia: Custom Perfume Workshop with Tea and Oils
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
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Private Wine Tasting in the UNESCO Town of Nessebar
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4.6/5
· 1 review
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Sofia: Bulgarian Wine and Rakia Tasting with Snacks
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4.9/5
· 9 reviews
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Rakia Museum Entrance Ticket with Tasting and Guided tour
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4.7/5
· 7 reviews
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Sofia Food & History Tour with Communist-Era Tram Ride
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Day trip to The Marvelous Bridges and the unique Rhodope cuisine
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Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl
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Featured Outdoor & sports in Bulgaria

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Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Hike and Thermal Baths Full-Day Tour from Sofia
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Borovets Ultimate Snowmobile Experience
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4.9/5
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ATV/QUAD Off-Road Tour in Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
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5.0/5
· 16 reviews
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Bansko: 1.5-hour Private ATV Adventure
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5.0/5
· 1 review
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Learn to Ski in a Day, Vitosha Mountain, Sofia, Bulgaria
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From Sofia: Rila Monastery Day Tour & Optional Thermal Spa
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From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes Full-Day Hiking Tour
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4.8/5
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Tour to Lovech, Devetaki cave & Krushuna waterfalls
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Featured Culture & history in Bulgaria

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Discover Bulgaria with Dance in Sofia, Bulgaria
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Sofia Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Treasures and Historical Landmarks
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Plovdiv self-guided audio walking tour (9 stops, approx. 2 hrs)
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Veliko Tarnovo Highlights Audio Tour: Medieval Majesty and Cultural Treasures
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Plovdiv Highlights Audio Tour: Ancient and Cultural Treasures
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1-day tour to Boyana church + Rila monastery in Bulgaria (available for solo travelers, admission ticket not included)
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Featured Spa & wellness in Bulgaria

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Spa day pass at Pulse Therme Bansko
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Spa day pass at Pulse Therme Banya
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Half Day Tour around Sofia and the mountains with Thermal Spa
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5.0/5
· 27 reviews
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From Sofia: Rila Monastery UNESCO Site & Thermal Pools
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4.6/5
· 255 reviews
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Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia
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4.9/5
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From Sofia: Rila Mountain Winter Trip - Panoramic Spa & Nature Magic
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3.0/5
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What travellers say about Bulgaria

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真的在一起的时候29 March 2020
5.0
Hagia Sophia is the second oldest church in Sofia, dating back to the 6th century. In the 14th century, the city of Sofia was named after Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia was built on the basis of several existing churches. In the 2nd century AD, it was a Roman theater. The main hall and two towers on the east side and a domed tower were all built in the middle of the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine King Justinian I. As one of the most precious early church buildings in southeastern Europe, the church floor has complex early Christian decorations or mosaics with floral and animal patterns, and there are tombs underground and around it that are older than the church was built. People believe that Hagia Sophia has been blessed by mysterious forces and has not been damaged by human invasion and natural disasters for centuries. It is an architectural representative of elegance, simplicity and symmetrical beauty at that time.

St. Sofia Temple

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crystal jing28 January 2020
5.0
2019.08.Sofia - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Nicholas Russian Cathedral: Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has nothing to see except two or three churches. I want to say a few words about this city, but I don't know what to say. I just took a few photos and left.

Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky

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Shahin Alom - RU13 August 2025
5.0
Rila Monastery, nestled in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most treasured landmarks. Founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan of Rila, it stands as a masterpiece of Bulgarian Renaissance architecture, with its striking frescoes, arched galleries, and vibrant courtyard. Surrounded by forested peaks, the monastery offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere, perfect for reflection. Inside, the museum holds centuries-old manuscripts, icons, and cultural artifacts. The peaceful mountain setting and the monastery’s rich history make it an unmissable destination for travelers seeking both cultural depth and natural beauty.

Rila Monastery

Trip Moments in Bulgaria

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Bulgaria?

Don't miss these attractions in Bulgaria: St. Sofia Temple, Pamporovo Ski Resort, and Tsigov Chark. If you like Food & drink, try Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia. If you enjoy Outdoor & sports, try Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Hike and Thermal Baths Full-Day Tour from Sofia.

You can give Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia and Sofia: Custom Perfume Workshop with Tea and Oils a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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