Alexander Nevski memorial church
Completed in 1912 in honour of the Russian casualties of the 1877-78 War of Liberation from Ottoman Rule. Gold-domed, it is the finest piece of architecture in the Balkans. Craftsmen and artists from 6 countries worked on the five-aisle church in the course of 30 years and created real masterpieces of icons, frescoes, murals and huge chandeliers. The interior decoration, made of Italian marble. Egyptian alabaster, Brazilian onyx, gold, mosaics embodies the spirit of the finest Eastern Orthodox traditions. A superb collection of icons - the best in Bulgaria - can also be seen in the Crypt.

St. George Rotunda
By the early 4th century, chroniclers already described the settlement of the Thracian tribe Serdi as "a splendid and noble city". This was in the day of Emperor Constantine the Great. Strongly attached to Serdica, the Emperor often called the city his Rome and even intended to proclaim it capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Ultimately, he did not - but he nevertheless built magnificent edifices for the grand ceremonies during his visits. The only building to survive completely is the St. George Rotunda, famous for its original architecture and unique frescoes. Painted several times in different ages (the 4th, 10th to 12th and 14th centuries), the majestic figures illustrate the development of monumental painting over several centuries, making the Rotunda one of the gems of Bulgarian and East European culture.

St. Sofia church
The 4th-6th century basilica was built during the reign of Justinian. It has survived intact with 1600- year-old mosaic details and towards the end of the C14 gave the city its name. Beside the wall of the church is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Nearby is the grave of the national poet and writer Ivan Vazov, marked by an engraved boulder.

The Russian Church
Open any guide to Sofia, and you will read that the Russian St. Nicholas Church was designed by architect Preobrazhensky and completed in 1914. See the church, and you are bound to be impressed by its fine style and typical Novgorod frescoes. What you won't read anywhere and will definitely miss unless you know about it is the chapel to St. Seraphim in the backyard. Sofians come here because they believe that the saint can work miracles. He can cure all ills and make all wishes come true if you light a candle, stand still by the sarcophagus and drop behind it a piece of paper on which you have written your wish. So if you have time to spare, give it a try. After all, one never knows.

Boyana
A suburb at the foot of Mount Vitosha, notable for the Boyana church, built in the C11. Frescoes are claimed to be among the oldest and most interesting examples of East European Medieval art. Like Rila Monastery, the Boyana church has been listed by UNESCO as a part of the world s cultural heritage.

Mount Vitosha
It has become very much a part of Sofia owing to its accessibility by means of the cabin lifts at Knyazhevo and Simeonovo. Cherni Vrah, the highest point, gives wonderful views over the whole region. The winter ski-resort Aleko lies at 1868 m and the ski season lasts from early December until late spring. The beautiful scenery makes the whole area attractive throughout the year.

For Dutch speaking persons the following link is useful for more information about Bulgaria and Sofia: bulgarije.startpagina.be