Post Sofia

Saint Sofia Church (църква „Света София“)

Saint Sofia Church is a venerable red brick building in the center of Sofia, very near the bigger Alexander Nevski church and the small Russian church. If you don't have much time, you can visit the three of them in one afternoon. This church is very old, built on the foundations of older temples, it gave its name to the city in the 14th century. During the Ottoman rule it was converted to a mosque but it was abandoned in the 19th century when two earthquakes destroyed the minaret. Restoration of the church started at the beginning of the 20th century and the church is now magnificent, one of most beautiful example of early Christian architecture. At the side of the church is the monument of the unknown soldier, guarded by a beautiful stone lion, with a flame always burning and wreaths of fresh flowers. It is traditional for newly married couples to have their photo taken there. This ancient church is not a museum but a very busy church where people go all the time to pray, light candles and where there are weddings and funerals taking place. LINK wikipedia