HISTORY

Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital and largest city has a history which, dates back thousands of years. Throughout its existence, the city has always been a commercial, industrial, cultural and economic centre of the Balkans region. Sofia has always been well known for its mild climate, neighboring mountains and historical sights.

Sofia is originally a Thracian settlement called Serdica, named after the Thracian tribe known as Serdi.

In the 4th century BC for a short period of time was under the control of Alexander the Great.

Sofia was part of the Roman Empire and the part of the Byzantine Empire during different periods and in 809 Sofia becomes part of the First Bulgarian Kingdom during the reign of Khan Krum.

In the 14 century the city fell under Ottoman rule and was liberates by the Russians in 1878. One year later Sofia becomes the capital of the autonomous Principality of Bulgaria.

In the early 1900 the city emerges with its new motto - It Grows, But Does Not Age, which is used till today.

During World War II it was bombed by the Allied forces and was occupied by the Soviet Union.

From 1948 till 1989, under the rule of the communist party the city becomes Bulgaria’s cultural, economic and academic center.

Since the end of communism Sofia has been in an ongoing renovation and rejuvenation and has seen many new buildings being built and many new cultural and historical sites being opened.

It is estimated that at the moment more than 1.5 million people live in work in Sofia.