Sofia History

The Republic of Bulgaria has been separated into regions. Each one of them represents an administrative - territorial unit which serves for implementation of regional policy, accomplishment of state government and provision of correspondence between the local and national interests.

The number of regions equals to 28 and one of them is the Region of Sofia. Its area amounts up to 1345 square km. and includes 4 towns and 34 villages. The population is about 1 211 531 people /representing about 18% of the population of the country/ including: the City of Sofia - 1 133 183 people; Novi Iskar - 14 043 people; Bankia - 8 870 people; Buhovo - 3 267 people, as well as 34 villages with total population 52 268 people /4.3%/.;

The territory of the region has been separated into 24 administrative sub-regions, in compliance with the Law for administrative territorial division of Bulgaria. In regard with the territorial range it is identical with the Capital Region with administrative centre the City of Sofia, which is the capital of Bulgaria and serves as the greatest political, economic and cultural centre.

The city goes back quite a long way. During VIII - VII B.C., a Thracian tribe named Serdi has lives in the region near the mineral water resources. The conquest wars of Rome put the end of their settlement. The Romans accept new administrative - territorial division of the conquered areas. Thus the city of the Serdi - Serdika, as it is known by the time, becomes an important trade and administrative centre.

The numerous valuable archeological monuments, as well as the defensive equipment preserved from ancient times show the zenith and the significance of the old town of Serdika. Being a cross-road town in the East Roman Empire, it has suffered the invasions of the Barbarians. Its glory never comes back, but the fortress and the magnificent church "St.Sofia", which has given the name of our capital, has been restored.

In the VI century, during the time of Justinian, Serdika becomes an important city in the East Roman Empire again. Soon afterwards, it falls under the attacks of the Slav tribes invading the Balkan Peninsula.

In the IX century, during the rule of Khan Krum, Serdika receives the name Sredetz and turns into a significant military, political and cultural centre of the large medieval Bulgarian country. The Byzantium rule during the XI - XII century, when the town is known under the name of Triaditza, ceases its efflorescence for some time, until in XIII - XIV century Sredetz becomes again economical and cultural centre.

At the end of the XIV century the town is already called Sofia. Meanwhile it has become strongly fortified town with well developed craftsmanship and trade. On 3rd April 1879, since the Bulgarian liberation from the Ottoman rule, Sofia has been declared as the capital of Bulgaria, the reason being its geographical location and potentiality for economic growth. The infrastructure development of the city is a matter of national importance.

During the first few decades since the Liberation, one of the most famous buildings of Sofia are created. These are: the building of the State Government, the "Ivan Vazov" theatre, the Central Bath with mineral water resources, the Academy of Science, the National Library, the "Alexander Nevski" Cathedral etc. The most beautiful and impressive ones has been announced as cultural monuments of national significance.

In a short time, the city turns into the greatest demographic, economic and cultural center of the country. Nowadays it is situated in the main part of the Sofia valley. The city is surrounded by the mountains: Stara Planina /northwards/, Sredna Gora /eastwards and south-east/, Vitosha /southwards/, Liulin and Viskiar /westwards/. It is located on the river Iskar terraces and its left feeders. The cross-road location, as well as the fertile lands, the mineral water resources, the river Iskar and its feeders prove to be a pre-requisite for the origin of the city and its development. The lack of large rivers is compensated by the beautiful lake of Pancharevo and the small dam lakes situated nearby. Large rivers crossing the city are Perlovska and Vladaiska.