Sofia: Architectural Guide

Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe, though it still remains relatively undiscovered as a destination. Its urban fabric comprises an immense range of architec­tural cultures, with structures by the ancient Thracians, the Romans, the Byzantines, as well as works from the Bulgarian medieval era, the Ottoman Empire, and modern Bulgarian times, including the peculiar period of communist historicism and modernism. This book presents the city and its capacity to produce a unique archi­tectural experience by tracing its specific geography and dissecting its historical layers. Sofia is not defined by any pure styles; it re-mixes various influences into an amalgamation, typical of peripheral cultures, creating an authenticity and uniqueness. Architectural Guide Sofia catalogs not only historical monuments and conspicuous sites, overlooked by standard tourist guides, but also the most recent buildings in the city, outlining the experimental works by the contemporary generation of architects. It profiles over 200 selected buildings from different historical periods and includes several articles exploring the genesis of the local architectures as well as an essay on specific architectural details born out of clashes of various stylistic influences. Over 15 maps and 700 illustrations in colour, coupled with an extensive bibliography, will help the reader and traveler experience Sofia as part of a true architectural adventure.