About Bulgaria
Bulgaria has a long and storied history. Hosting human habitation since the Bronze Age, it is believed that the first known tribes to settle in Bulgaria were the Thracians of Indo-European origin. The lands of Bulgaria were also ruled by the Roman and Byzantine Empires, respectively, and became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s. Bulgaria gained its independence in 1908, sided with the Central Powers in the First World War, and with the Axis powers and then later with Russia in the Second World War. Following World War II, Bulgaria was part of the Eastern Bloc. In 1991, Bulgaria became a parliamentary republic and in 2007 joined the European Union.
Where is Bulgaria?
Bulgaria, on the Balkan peninsula in Eastern Europe, is west of the Black Sea and surrounded by the Rhodope, Balkan and Rila Mountains. Bulgaria is bordered by Serbia, Romania, Türkiye, Greece and Macedonia.
Sofia and other cities in Bulgaria
There are more than 250 cities and towns in Bulgaria, most of which have a population of less than 200,000 people. Sofia, the country’s capital, is also the largest and most populated city in Bulgaria.
The capital of Bulgaria: Sofia
Surrounded by mountains, Sofia lies in the Sofia Valley at the foot of Mount Vitosha. Sofia, which remained under Ottoman rule for many years, features architectural influences from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, as well as the Soviet school. The city is renowned for its annual International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious in Europe, which takes place in March!
The highlights of Sofia include the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NAIM-BAS), the Sofia History Museum, the Boyana Church, the Banya Bashi Mosque and Vitosha Mountain.
Accompanied by historical traces: Plovdiv
The second largest city in Bulgaria is Plovdiv, less than 150 kilometers from Sofia and about 200 kilometers from Edirne, in Türkiye. Plovdiv is known for its monuments, castles, churches and ancient theaters, many of which bear traces of the Ottoman presence.
Many of Plovdiv’s notable sites are within walking distance from the center. In addition to narrow, winding streets lined with traditional houses, some of the highlights of Plovdiv include the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, the Ancient Theater of Philipopolis and the Forum of Philipopolis, all of which date from the Roman era. Also of interest are the Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, the Saints Constantine & Elena Church and the Dzhumaya Mosque.
On the banks of the Danube River: Silistra
Set along the bank of the Danube River, Silistra is known to have originated as a garrison during the Roman era. Among the highlights of this lovely city are the Ethnographic Museum – Silistra, the Archaeological Museum – Silistra, the Srebarna Wildlife Reserve, the Medzhidi Tabiya Fortress, and the Kurşunlu Mosque.
Sea, sun and fun: Varna
Varna, Bulgaria’s third largest city, is also considered the country’s naval center. Standing out as the heart of economy, tourism and trade, Varna is a beautiful Black Sea coast city known for its liveliness and festivals – especially the Varna Summer Festival, in June, and the Varna International Music Festival, in July.
Like other cities in Bulgaria, Varna has a rich history. The highlights of Varna include the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, the Aladzha Monastery, the Varna Archaeological Museum, the Sea Garden park, the Retro Museum and the Varna Stone Forest.
Festival city: Burgas
Burgas, on the Black Sea coast, tends to be warmer than much of Bulgaria in terms of annual temperature averages. An important port city with Byzantine and Ottoman traces, Burgas, like Varna, is known for its festivals, especially the prominent Spirit of Burgas music festival.
Among the highlights of Burgas are its magnificent beaches and the Paros Forest, as well as the Burgas Museum of Ethnography, the Burgas City Gallery and the Dormition of the Theotokos Church.
Dining in Bulgaria
The delicious Bulgarian cuisine features Ottoman, Mediterranean and European influences. Pastries, milk and dairy products, and cold meats such as salami and sausages are commonly seen in Bulgarian dishes, as are vegetables and fruits. Specialties include:
- Shopska salad (Bulgarian-style salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, sweet peppers and feta cheese)
- Kashkaval cheese
- Pileshka supa (chicken soup)
- Mish-mash (omelet)
- Sarmi (stuffed cabbage)
- Gyuvech (casserole)
Useful information about Bulgaria
- The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia.
- The official language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian.
- The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (BGN).
- Sofia International Airport is the largest airport in the country.
- Bulgaria has a continental climate.
- Bulgaria can be visited in all seasons: skiing is popular in the winter months, while beach/seaside tourism draws visitors during the summer.
Getting to Bulgaria
From Türkiye, Bulgaria can be reached via road, rail or air. Click here for information on flights to Bulgaria. Turkish Airlines offers direct flights to Sofia and Varna!
