St. George Rotunda

Located in a courtyard behind the Sheraton Hotel, St. George Rotunda was built by the Romans in the second or third century BC, possibly as a pagan holy place. Later it was used as a mosque, becoming a church in the middle ages. Its frescoes show the development of such painting over a few centuries.

Sveta Petka Saamardzhiiska Church is entered from underground, between the Sheraton and the TsUM Department Store. It was built in the 14th century and features frescoes from the Ottoman period, painted in the 15th, 17th and 19th centuries.

Passing the department store on Maria Luisa, one reaches the Banya Bashi Mosque, built in the 16th century, the only mosque still active in central Sofia. It was designed by Sinan, who was responsible for some of Istanbul's most famous mosques. The Mosque is opened from morning till dark, admission is free.

Sofia Synagogue and Museum

Turning left after passing Banya Bashi, one reaches Sofia Central Synagogue, completed in 1909. Built in classical Sephardic style, it also includes many local elements. It was damaged by British air strikes in 1944 and neglected during the Communist era. Renovations have begun recently. The small congregation generally uses a side room for worship. A small museum is incorporated into the edifice.

St. Nedelya Church

Opposite the Sheraton and to the left, St. Nedelya was built between 1856 and 1863. Its interior is rich, but light-hearted, making this church one of the city's favorites.

St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Built between 1892 and 1912, this is modern Sofia's religious showpiece. No shortcuts were taken in its design, using onyx from South America, marble from Italy and African alabaster. Woodcarvings were made by the best Bulgarian and Russian craftsmen. The underground Crypt, opened in 1964, features a top rate collection of icons that has toured the world extensively.

The cathedral was built to commemorate the defeat of the Ottomans in 1877-78 and particularly the Russian contribution resulting in Bulgaria's achieving independence (the lives of 200,000 troops). The church has room for 5,000 people. While some see its size as impressive in itself, others feel that it is too big and lacks character. The golden domes guarantee its place in Sofia's skyline.

St. Sofia Basilica

This ancient church was built like a fortress in Byzantine Serdica in the sixth century. Two previous churches had been destroyed on the site by the Goths and the Huns. During the period of the Second Bulgarian Empire, when Veliko Târnovo was capital, St. Sofia was elevated to the status of metropolitan church and the city was renamed Sofia, in honor of the saint. Ironically, it became a mosque a thousand years after its construction, surviving two earthquakes thirty years later. It was restored after Bulgaria received its independence. Legend has it that the edifice is protected by the saint's miraculous powers.

St. Nicholas Russian Church

This small church, with its characteristic gilt, onion-shaped domes, was built by Russian immigrants to Bulgaria in 1912-13 in 17th century Muscovite style. Believers should not miss its St. Seraphim chapel in the backyard. The locals come here, light candles, and drop notes expressing their wishes.