I am in Europe on an epic tour of four Balkans countries: Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Kosov (note). The Balkan region was ruled by the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and communism in different eras of history. There are different races, religions and cultures across the Balkans, which will definitely fascinate any history-loving travelers. But at the same time, the racial and religious conflicts also turned the Balkans into the powder keg of Europe.

(Note: Serbia considers Kosovo part of its territory. Today roughly half of countries in the world recognize Kosovo as a country, the other half don't.)

After spending a few days in Serbia, I am traveling to Bulgaria. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is 400km from Belgrade. Most Bulgarians are Orthodox Christians so there are many beautiful Orthodox churches. The city of Sofia is old. It was called Serdica during Roman Empire. Modern Sofia sits on top of old Serdica and there are Roman ruins right under city center. I always wanted to visit Sofia and experience Bulgaria's rich history and beautiful architecture.
#balkans #bulgaria #sofia #serdica #easterneurope #StSophiaBasilica #StAlexanderNevskyCathedral #romanruins


Timestamps:
0:00 Opening
0:09 Navigation
1:24 Sofia city tour
2:05 Vitosha Boulevard & National Palace of Culture
2:48 National Theater & National Art Gallery
3:44 Saint Sophia Church
4:01 Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
5:20 Sofia Market Hall
6:31 Roman ruins & changing of Presidential guards
7:00 Old public bath house
7:20 Bazaar
7:56 Dinner at traditional Bulgarian restaurant
8:33 Drone shots

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