The capital and largest city of the southeastern European country of Bulgaria is Sofia. Located in the western part of the country, Sofia is an ancient city that dates back to the days of the Roman Empire. Because much of the city had to be rebuilt after World War II bombings, present-day Sofia is a mix of historic and modern architectural styles.

Places of interest

Sofia's sites of historical significance include the gold-domed Alexander Nevski Memorial Church, which was built to honor the Russians who died freeing Bulgaria from Turkish rule in the 19th century. It took 30 years to complete the church, which is decorated with murals and chandeliers. The red brick Rotunda of Saint George, built in the 4th century and first used as a Roman temple, is considered the oldest building in Sofia. The city took its name from Saint Sofia Church, built in about the 6th century. When the Turks ruled the city, this church was used as a mosque.

Sofia is home to a number of cultural and educational institutions, including the National History Museum and the National Art Gallery. The National Opera and Ballet is also based in the city. The University of Sofia, founded in 1888, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Bulgaria.

Economy

Sofia is Bulgaria's chief industrial and commercial center. Its main industries include engineering, food processing, and clothing production. The city also has an active printing industry. Sofia attracts tourists with its historic churches, parks, and gardens. Surrounding the city is an agricultural region specializing in fruit and vegetable growing and dairy farming.

History

People have lived in the area around Sofia for thousands of years. In the 8th century BC a group known as the Serdi established a community near the site of the present-day city. The Romans conquered this settlement about 700 years later. Late in the 4th century AD the city became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, or the Byzantine Empire. The Bulgarians made the city part of their state in 809. In 1382 the city was captured by the Ottoman Turks. After nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule, Russian troops drove the Turks out of Sofia in 1878. A year later the city became the capital of Bulgaria.

Sofia was captured by German forces during World War II (1939–45). Russian forces again freed the city in 1944. After the war Bulgaria was ruled by Communists who had close ties to the Soviet Union. The Communists controlled the economy and made Sofia into an industrial city. After the collapse of the Communist government in the early 1990s, private businesses were established in Sofia. Population (2000 estimate), 1,133,180.