"Once in Bulgaria" Sofia by lehima2

Like any capital city, Sofia is rich in museums. The National History Museum undoubtedly has the finest collection. It was assembled in 1981 to celebrate 1300 years of Bulgarian statehood. Thracian gold treasures are spaciously displayed, often singly, so they can be fully appreciated. Artefacts such as bas-reliefs, ceramics and silverware reveal the achievements of the medieval capitals, and there is a strong collection of material from the National Revival period, including folk costumes, carpets and domestic items

This is a typical monument of Turkish architecture which adds color to Sofia city center. It was built in 1576 by the famous Turkish architect who also built Sultanselim mosque in the town of Odrin in Macedonia. Loudspeakers on the tall minarets call worshippers to prayer. On Maria Luisa Blvd., next to Main Department Store.

The Tsar

The Tsar Osvoboditel monument by the renowned Italian Sculpture Arnoldo Zocci, is one of the most beautiful in Sofia. Situated on the square in front of the parliament building, it is an expression of thanks from the Bulgarian nation to its Russian liberators. The 14 meters high monument portrays the Russian Tsar Alexander II, astride his horse, holding the declaration of the War of Liberation. The upper part of the pedestal is a relief composition underneath which small bronze bas-relief illustrate important events from the war.