Sofia has been settled for thousands of years and has beautiful buildings from many different eras. Its most famous landmark is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a huge golden-domed church that can hold up to 5,000 people inside. The domes glow in the sunlight and can be seen from far across the city.
The city has mineral hot springs — water that bubbles up naturally warm from under the ground. People have been bathing in these springs for over 2,000 years. In the centre of Sofia there is still a public mineral water fountain where locals come to fill bottles every day.
Mount Vitosha rises right behind the city and is visible from almost every street. It is a natural park where wolves, deer and wild boars live. On a clear day from Vitosha's peak you can see all the way across the city and to the distant Balkan Mountains beyond.
Sofia has wide tree-lined boulevards, parks full of rose bushes, and many museums and theatres. The National Palace of Culture is one of the biggest event halls in South-Eastern Europe and hosts everything from rock concerts to science fairs.