FAMILY HOUSE IN BISTRITZA

At the east slide of Vitosha mountain, at 16 km. from Sofia, is the pretty village of Bistritza. It is a starting point to the forest reserve of Bistritza – a natural reserve of centenary spruce forest and alpine grass and bush plants above it. Today most of the trees are more than 120 years old and their height reaches 35 m. Except for its natural beauties the village is prominent also with the monasteries Saint Petka in its north-west suburbs and Saints Yoakim and Anna in Mali Dol neighbourhood.
Total Floorage Area: 420 sq. m.

 

The history of Sofia embraces thousands years. The first name of the city – Serdika – was given by the Thracian tribe Serdi, who had inhabited town’s territory in 7 century B.C. Later Byzantium citizens gave it the name of Triaditza and the Slavs – Sredetz. The name of Sofia dates since 14th century, when the town has been called after the basilica Saint Sofia (in Greek “sofia” means wisdom). In 1879 the town became Bulgaria’s capital.

Sofia is rich of archaeological findings. A great part of the previous Serdika is located beneath central modern buildings. Saint George rotunda is located behind the Presidency, and antique basilicas are hidden beneath the National historical museum. Roman thermal baths are the predecessor of the Sofia mineral baths and the Roman residence, decorated by fine mosaics, is preserved beneath Rila hotel.

Some of the modern landmarks of the city are: Alexandar Nevsky church – a masterpiece of icons, mural paintings and frescoes, constructed in the course of 30 years by masters from 6 states, the National palace of culture – the greatest Congress Centre on the Balkans, Sofia university and a lot of others.

From ancient times the city is prominent also with its mineral springs both in its real centre and in the neighbourhoods: Knyazhevo, Gorna Banya, Bankya, Ovcha Kupel, and Ivanyane.

Today Sofia residents amount to 1 250 000.