Sofia (София) is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria. The city has a population of 1.26 million. From 1946 to 1990 Bulgaria was ruled by the Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP) and the country was closely allied with the Soviet Union. If you like commieblocks districts you've come to the right place. All photos taken with the Sony RX100 compact camera from 12 to 14 October 2016.
Central Market Hall (Централни софийски хали)
1. This market hall opened in 1911.
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3. in the basement there are some ruins from Roman times.
Spring water
4. In the city center everybody can tap free hot spring water.
5. Some people load their car or van with as many large full water bottles as they can.
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Beli Dunav reidential area
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Zhenski Pazar (Women’s market)
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Sofia Metropolitan (Софийско метро)
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17. Central train station, opened in 1974.
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19. Kiosk in a metro station with tiny hatch/window through which you make your purchase, as is also common in Russia.
20. The first metro line opened in 1998, the stations have a sleek retro design.
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Lyulin residential area
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Miscellaneous
26. The Borisova Gradina TV tower of 106 meters (348 feet), used for television broadcasts from 1959 to 1985.
27. The National Theater "Ivan Vazov" (Народен театър "Иван Вазов") from 1907.
28. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Храм-паметник Свети Александър Невски), built between 1892 and 1912. The most famous tourist attraction of Sofia.
29. SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library (Национална библиотека "Свети Свети Кирил и Методий"), built in the period 1940-1953.
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31. Sofia Synagogue (Софийска синагога) from 1909.
32. Largo (Ларго), a group of three buildings in Socialist Classicism style, built in the 50s. Striking is the former headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party.
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37. The "1300 years Bulgaria" monument celebrates the founding of the country. After it was completed in 1981 the monument felt into disrepair because of poor construction.
38. On the right is the dilapidated monument.
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40. The merchandise is nicely displayed but you make your purchase through the hatch/window.
More in part 2.