Church of Sveta Sofia

Lonely Planet review

There has been a church on this site since the mid-4th century, although the Church of Sveta Sofia as it stands today is a much-restored 6th-century foundation, making it the oldest Orthodox church in the Bulgarian capital, to which it eventually gave its name. The church fell victim to invading hordes, fires and earthquakes several times over the centuries, and after a devastating 1858 earthquake, the building, then used as a mosque, was abandoned.

The present, rather sober, red-brick structure is mostly 19th century, and was restored as a church in the early 20th century. Outside stands the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with its eternal flame and stone lion, and on the northern side of the church is a simple monument commemorating Tsar Boris III's role in the rescue of Bulgaria's Jews.