Travel, life, loves and laughs.
There are cities shaped by rivers, others by trade routes or conquest. Sofia, however, owes its very existence to something far more elemental – water.
Long before empires rose and fell across the Balkans, before churches and mosques defined skylines, and before the name “Sofia” was ever spoken, people came to this place for its mineral springs.… Read the rest
In a city layered with Roman ruins, Ottoman relics, and Orthodox churches, it might seem surprising that one of Sofia’s most symbolic landmarks is relatively new. The Monument of Saint Sofia, installed in 2000, does not date back centuries, yet it tells a story just as profound as any ancient structure.… Read the rest
Few buildings in Sofia command attention quite like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Its vast domes rise above the city skyline, shimmering in gold, while its sheer scale and presence make it impossible to ignore. Yet this is more than just a striking landmark, it is a monument shaped by history, sacrifice and national identity.… Read the rest
Breakfast in Sofia surprised me in the best possible way. Instead of rushing through coffee and pastry, I found myself slowing down, sitting with food that carried centuries of history. One of my favorite mornings in Bulgaria unfolded at The Rainbow Factory, a colorful, welcoming spot that celebrates traditional Bulgarian flavors while keeping things warm, local, and deeply comforting.… Read the rest
If ancient Serdica reveals Sofia’s foundations and Ottoman relics speak of centuries under empire, then the Ivan Vazov National Theatre tells the story of a nation finding its voice.
Set against the leafy calm of City Garden, its elegant façade – columns, statues and deep red walls – exudes unmistakably European architecture.… Read the rest
Hidden behind the imposing façade of modern government buildings, tucked quietly within an unassuming courtyard, stands a structure that has witnessed nearly everything Sofia has ever been.
The Rotunda of St. George is not just the oldest building in the city, it is its most enduring.… Read the rest
Nestled deep in the Rila Mountains of southwestern Bulgaria, Rila Monastery immediately captures the imagination. Surrounded by towering pines and rugged peaks, this UNESCO World Heritage Site merges spiritual reverence with architectural grandeur. Standing as a living testament to Bulgaria’s Orthodox heritage, a sanctuary where faith, art and history seamlessly intertwine, every corner of the monastery reflects centuries of devotion, creativity and resilience.… Read the rest
In the middle of charming Melnik is the Kordopulov House. We visit here on a bright, sunny spring morning after a bracing walk to the Holy Place. The town is quiet, it’s the very beginning of the season anyway but Covid has hit tourism hard and we receive an especially warm welcome as the first tourists to return since the beginning of the pandemic.… Read the rest
Atop Melnik’s picturesque cliff tops, the St. Virgin Mary Spileotisa Monastery is perched. Known locally as the Holy Place, this tiny monastery, referred to a a cave (speleon) was built between 1209 – 1211. Its name is also associated with the Virgin Mary of the Holy Place at the Mount Athos monastery Vatopedi.… Read the rest
Melnik is known for its wine and Bulgarians love their meat. So Mexaha Melnik seems the perfect combination. A Mexaha is a local, traditional Bulgarian bistro or restaurant. You can find them in cities and scattered throughout the countryside.… Read the rest