Sofia is the capital and the biggest town in Bulgaria. Situated in Northwestern part of South Bulgaria, at the foot of Vitosha mountains and is main administrative, industrial, transport, cultural, university centre of the country. Sofia is named after the Christian temple and ex-cathedral of the town “Saint Sofia”. In 2009 population of the town is about 1 300 000 people.
According to the press in Sofia stay about 1,8-2,0 million people. And every day through the country pass about 200 000 people. This means that about 28-30% of Bulgaria's population every day goes in Sofia.
Sofia is situated in north slope of Vitosha mountain, on the Sofia pole, surrounded by mountains (Stara planina, Sredna gora, Lyulin, Lozenets). Five mountain passages led to town – Iskarski, Vladaiski,Dragomanski, Petrohanski, Botevgradski. Sofia is 550 metres above the sea level and its 4th capital in Europe by this criteria.
The climate is humid continental with four seasons. Average monthly temperature in December for Sofia is about –3,7°C and in August is 28,2°C. Average annual temperature is about 10,5°С.
Thanks to its central position on the Balkan peninsula , in the past Sofia was a big and prosperous city. Some shallow rivers flow through the city, and the biggest are Vladaiska and Perlovska. Close to the eastern neighbourhoods flows Iskar river, but in this area the level of the water is not very high. The city is known for its numerous mineral and thermal springs. Artificial and dam lakes were built in the last century. Transport system in the capital is highly developed and it is an important part of the national transport system. Public transport is well-developed with bus, tram and trolley lines running in all areas of the city.
Sightseeing:
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National historical museum
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National gallery of art
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National museum of Earth and Men
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National gallery of foreign art
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National museum of military history
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National Archaeological museum
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Alexander Nevsky cathedral
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St Nedelya church
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Church of st. Sophia
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Boyana church