Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history dating back over 7,000 years. Originally founded by the Thracians and known as Serdica during Roman times, the city thrived as a key center on the Roman Empire’s trade routes. Its strategic location made it a melting pot of cultures and civilizations, influenced by Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule over the centuries.
Renamed Sredets in the Middle Ages, the city later became known as Sofia, after the St. Sofia Church. Sofia became the capital of Bulgaria in 1879, shortly after the country’s liberation from Ottoman rule. Today, Sofia seamlessly blends its rich historical past with modern vibrancy, standing as a symbol of Bulgaria’s resilience and cultural diversity.