Seniors Like Sofia’s Surprises

 Sofia, the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, seniors discover, has a population of 1.26 million, while 1.68 million people live in its metropolitan area. The territory of Bulgaria has been inhabited since antiquity, as the country’s many ancient settlements and burial mounds attest.

Present-day Bulgaria was a cradle of some of the earliest civilizations in Europe – the oldest gold ornament ever discovered, unearthed in the Chalcholite necropolis near Varna, is evidence of that.

With a history that stretches over seven millennia, ruin-rich Sofia is one of Europe’s oldest cities. The National Historical Museum is one of Eastern Europe’s most extensive. Wide, cobblestone boulevards, charming boutiques and truly electrifying nightlife star in Sofia. Trolleys, trams and buses traverse the dynamic city.

Seniors Visit Europe’s Most Affordable Capital

Surrounded by sprawling parkland, Sofia lies at the foot of popular ski mountain, Vitosha, one of TripAdvisor‘s top choices. Don’t miss the statue of Seta Sofia, a main attraction.

USA Today wants seniors to know that Sofia is Europe’s most affordable capital: a night in a four-star hotel goes for less than $100. The dinner tab for two with a bottle of house wine runs about $40. And cab fare costs less than $1 a mile.

The city is full of delightful surprises, from the yellow brick roads in its historic center to the partially exposed, 1,800-year-old Roman city that lies beneath. Many visitors say that Bulgaria is the most beautiful country in Europe.

 Seniors Enjoy Dynamic City

Wikitravel notes that today, Sofia is a dynamic Eastern European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture as well as many beautiful orthodox churches.

Sofia was founded 2,500 years ago. Over the centuries, it has been given several names – Serdica , Sredetz and the remains of the old cities can still be viewed today. Near Sofia is the Boyana church, one of the most valuable memorials of Bulgarian and European culture that senior visitors will see.

Located in the western part of the country, on the Sofia Plain and on the lower slopes of Mount Vitosha, the city’s average altitude is 550 meters above sea level and the climate is moderate and continental, characterized by cold winters and relatively cool summers.

Seniors, Sofia will prove to be a memorable experience. Enjoy your visit. -jeb