Bulgarian properties sofia: ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS TAKEN DOWN IN BULGARIA

For the first six months of 2006, 195 illegal constructions in Bulgaria have been taken down, the Directorate for National Construction Control said.

The directorate ordered the taking down of 605 illegal construction and the halting of construction work on 235 more.

Bulgarian news agency BTA reported that the directorate performed 4722 construction inspections in the first half of 2006.

The inspections aimed at confirming the legality of construction works. Violations were registered in 1482 cases.

For the same period, the directorate collected 1.69 million leva in the form of fines enforced previously, BTA reported.

Source: www.sofiaecho.com

Bulgarian properties sofia: Church of Sveta (Saint) Sofia

Sitting adjacent to the Nevski Cathedral, and looking much more modest, is the red brick Church of St. Sofia, a recently restored Byzantine church which gave its name (meaning "holy wisdom") to the city in the late 14th century.

Today, it is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in Sofia, and the second oldest building in the city, with a long and fascinating history. It was built on the site of several earlier churches and places of worship dating back to the days when it was the necropolis of the Roman town Serdica (named after the Thracian Serdii tribe who originally inhabited the area).

In the 2-nd century CE, it was, ironically enough, the location of a theatre used by the Romans for bloody public spectacles, such as the persecution and sacrifice of Christians in battles against gladiators and various wild beasts.

Over the next few centuries, several other churches were erected, only to be destroyed by invading forces such as the Goths and the Huns.

The basic cross design of the present basilica, with its two east towers and one tower-cupola, is probably the fifth structure to inhabit the site and was built during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian in the middle of the 6-th century.

During the Ottoman period of Bulgarian history, a minaret was added which functioned as a mosque. Earthquakes in 1818 and 1858 destroyed the minaret and the mosque was more or less abandoned for some years before restoration work began.

After recent renovations (some is still being done), the church is open and well worth visiting. Open 7:00-18:00. Admission free.

Source: www.sofiaecho.com

Bulgarian properties sofia: St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

The cathedral sits in Alexander Nevski Square, a large and open cobblestone area that plays host to an eclectic and fascinating daily open-air flea market. The area is also often used for huge political rallies.

The church's famous gilded domes (whose gold leaf was donated by the Soviet Union in 1960) cast a massive overall presence. The monument covers an area over 3100 square metres and can be seen from most elevated areas in Sofia - even from Mount Vitosha!

The National Assembly of 1879 made the decision to build the church as a monument to honour Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The "Tsar Liberator" and his army (200000 of whom were killed) helped free Bulgaria from the Ottoman Turks in the War for Liberation in 1877-78. The structure was named after the patron saint of the Tsar's family, Alexander Nevski, a Russian prince who helped thwart a Swedish invasion of his homeland in 1240 and was subsequently sainted for his efforts.

The stone foundation was laid in 1882, but it took over 30 years to complete the neo-Byzantine style cathedral using the design of Pomerantsev, a St. Petersburg architect.

With five aisles and three altar iconostases, the cavernous interior of the church is full of interesting details made by both Russian and Bulgarian artists. Unfortunately, dim lighting makes some of these difficult to see -such as the expressive paintings of Biblical scenes and saints that cover the walls and ceilings.

Other highlights include: Italian mosaics, multi-coloured marble, stained glass windows, huge chandeliers and a throne enhanced by Brazilian onyx and alabaster, once used by Tsars Boris and Ferdinand.

The cathedral has a capacity of 5000 and hosts at least that many on important Orthodox celebrations, such as midnight mass ceremonies on Christmas eve and Easter - when thousands of Bulgarians solemnly sweep through and around the outside of the cathedral, candles in hand, often singing.

Hearing the cathedral's choir singing Bulgarian Orthodox hymns and chants is a haunting and memorable experience that should not be missed.

Open daily 7:00-17:30. Daily services 8:00 and 17:00. Saturday service 18:00. Sunday service 17:00. Admission free.


Source:
http://sofiaecho.com