Sofia

Sofia was founded by a Thracian tribe some three thousand years ago, and various Roman ruins attest to its zenith as a regional imperial capital in the fourth century AD. The Bulgars didn’t arrive on the scene until the ninth century. With the notable exception of the thirteenth-century Boyana Church, their cultural monuments largely disappeared during the Turkish occupation (1396–1878), whose own legacy is visible solely in a couple of stately mosques.

The finest architecture postdates Bulgaria’s liberation from the Turks: handsome public buildings, parks, and the magnificent Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral. Most of Sofia’s sights are centrally located and within easy walking distance of each other. The pedestrianised Bulevard Vitosha forms the heart of the shopping district and leads north to the Church of Sveta Nedelya, from where bul. Tsar Osvoboditel passes the major public buildings, culminating with the grand Aleksandar Nevski Church.

Sofia – Luxury Collection

Sofia Balkan Palace$$$

Taking inspiration from Sofia’s rich architectural heritage, Restaurant Labels has been designed with opulence in mind. The intricate floor is inspired by the Byzantine mosaics and the accent gold metal and ceiling pay homage to the country’s history of gold smelting. The conservatory of the lobby bar Basilica pays homage to Bulgaria’s forests and acts as a winter garden in the cold months. Sofia Balkan Palace offers sophisticated meeting rooms for gala dinners, weddings, conferences, s...

Juno Hotel Sofia$$$

Awash in natural fabrics and handmade furniture, with abundant light and a restaurant that interacts with the outside scene, Junó Hotel Sofia is a cozy, urban wonder in the pulsing heart of Sofia’s downtown. The interiors are richly defined by wood, black stainless steel, brass, oak and teak flooring, woven carpets, and black leather, with a color palette influenced by natural earth patterns and shapes. Presenting handmade furniture from distinguished studios, custom-made fabrics and an ab...