ofia is a bustling metropolis in Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe. It reveals its rich history at every turn, each place and monument acting as a palimpsest of the city’s past. As one wanders through the streets of Sofia, they are greeted by a stunning array of architectural marvels, including the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the historic Saint George Rotunda and the ancient Serdica archaeological complex. Each of these landmarks tells a story about Sofia’s past, drawing visitors into a world of captivating history and cultural significance.

I travelled across the beautiful Bulgaria, beginning with the charming city of Blagoevgrad, then making my way to the historic town of Plovdiv, and finally reaching Sofia. Each of the cities offered its unique blend of culture, history and architecture, making the journey an enriching and unforgettable experience.

During my memorable trip to Bulgaria, I made sure to visit the awe-inspiring Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the Bulgarian culture and spiritual identity. Nestled in the Rila Mountains, the monastery is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history and exquisite frescoes. I was truly captivated by the serene atmosphere and the intricate artwork adorning the monastery’s interior. It was a profoundly memorable and enlightening experience that I will discuss further in another piece for The News on Sunday.

In central Sofia, I explored several tourist attractions. Walking through the downtown area, one can see the partially covered archaeological remains of the Roman city of Serdica. The archaeological discoveries unearthed during the metro construction in Sofia’s downtown provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich historical tapestry of Serdica. These remains include sections of eight streets, an early Christian basilica and baths and houses dating back to the 4th to 6th Centuries.

The 16th-Century Ottoman-period mosque, Banya Bashi Mosque, is located near the remains of Serdica. This mosque is believed to have been built in 1566 when the city was under Ottoman rule. The Ottoman Empire controlled Bulgaria from the 14th Century until its ‘liberation’ in 1878. During this time, many mosques were constructed in Sofia and other towns, cities and villages. While staying in Blagoevgrad for a conference, I visited two mosques in the village of Dolno Dryanovo, one of which dates back to the 16th Century. The village is a two hours’ drive from Blagoevgrad.

Adjacent to the Serdica site is the Largo, an architectural ensemble of three imposing Socialist Classicism buildings constructed in the 1950s. These buildings form the centre-piece of Independence Square. Across from this trio of buildings and the Serdica archaeological remains stands the monument of Saint Sofia, located near the Serdica/ Serdika II Metro Station. This bronze statue, perched on a column, was sculpted by Georgi Chapkanov and unveiled in 2000.

From the impressive monument of Saint Sofia, one can stroll to the Cathedral of Saint Nedelya, one of the city’s oldest and most revered landmarks, with a history going back to the 10th Century. The present-day cathedral, showcasing striking architecture and intricate details, is believed to have been constructed between 1856 and 1867. A plaque on the exterior wall of the church, written in both Bulgarian and English, states that “on April 16th, 1925, this church was blown up by a group of communists whose aim was to assassinate HM King Boris III. This act of terrorism took the life of numerous innocent people.” Over the years, the cathedral has undergone several renovations to preserve its historical significance and grandeur. The interior of the cathedral is adorned with beautiful murals.

Sofia is renowned for its many cathedrals and churches, which are scattered throughout the city. The oldest of these religious buildings is located in central Sofia: the Church of Saint Sofia, constructed between the 4th and 6th Centuries. It has undergone expansions and renovations over the centuries and is the iconic structure that gave the city its name.

Another beautiful cathedral in the city centre is the Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky. An inscription on one of the interior walls, written in both English and Bulgarian, reads: “Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral is a memorial church built in memory of thousands of Russian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Moldavian, Finnish and Romanian soldiers who, from 1877 to 1878, laid down their lives for the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire.” Built in the Neo-Byzantine style, the cathedral, constructed between 1882 and 1912, is one of the most impressive buildings in Sofia. Its striking golden domes and ornate interior, particularly the murals, make it one of the most magnificent churches in Bulgaria.

The Russian Church, also known as Saint Nicholas Church, is another architectural gem. Built in 1914, it is believed to have been constructed on the site of the Saray Mosque, which was destroyed after liberation. The church is particularly noted for its stunning mural paintings. Located just opposite the Saint Nicholas Russian Church is the National Museum of Natural History. Sofia is home to numerous museums and galleries. I visited several of those including the National Museum of Natural History, the Regional History Museum,and the National Ethnographic Museum.

While exploring central Sofia, one encounters numerous cathedrals, statues and monuments. Opposite the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are several statues. Nearby there is a small park featuring a statue of Saint Kliment Ohridski, a medieval Bulgarian saint known as the patron of education and language.

The Monument to Tsar the Liberator in central Sofia is a striking tribute to Tsar Alexander II. This monumental structure commemorates the Tsar’s crucial role in the liberation of Russian serfs and his significant contribution to Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule. The monument showcases a majestic statue of the tsar on horseback, positioned atop a grand pedestal. The middle section is adorned with intricate figures. The entire structure is crowned with an elegant neo-Renaissance cornice. This impressive monument stands as a testament to the tsar’s enduring legacy and his pivotal influence on both Russian and Bulgarian history.

Sofia offers a wealth of tourist attractions. I visited the Holy Trinity Orthodox Romanian Church, built between 1905 and 1912, located in the downtown area. In addition to its historical churches and elegant statues, the city boasts a vibrant array of markets and modern shopping malls, offering a mix of local crafts and international brands. Visitors can savour the rich local cuisine at the numerous cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the city. For those seeking a unique shopping experience, Vitosha Boulevard is the premier destination, featuring a variety of shops and boutiques that offer everything from traditional souvenirs to high-end fashion.

The writer is an anthropologist. He has authored 16 books on Pakistan’s cultural heritage and anthropology. He tweets @kalhorozulfiqar