Sofia

One of the continent's oldest cities and Bulgaria's capital, Sofia belies its antiquity with its youthful approach. Sofia is also the largest city of the nation and therefore plays a key role in its cultural and economic front. Nestled at the foothills of the Vitosha Mountain, it forms the heart of Balkan peninsula. Influences of Thracian, Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman and Russian culture and architectural styles are evident in its historic monuments. An eclectic array of architecture dots its cityscape, while its heart is lined with historic sites such as the Rotunda of St. George. The emblematic Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral, the Sveta Sofia Church, and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre are some of this charming city's major highlights.