AIMSA 2026

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Sofia

Sоfia is founded three thousand years ago by the ancient Thracian tribe “serdi,” and it is known as Serdica until the beginning of the ninth century. Sofia has had several names in the different periods of its existence.

Most significant are Serdica, Triaditza and Sredets The current name Sofia was first used in the 14th century and it refers to the famous Hagla Sophia Church, an ancient church in the city. In our days Sofia is the capital and largest city of Republic of Bulgaria. Sofia’s development as a significant set1ement owes much to its central position in the Balkans. It is situated in western Bulgaria, at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. The city is administrative, cultural and financial center of the country. Since ancient times, the region has been known for its mineral and thermal springs. There are mineral springs in the center of the city, as well in the districts on Knyazhevo, Gorna Banya, Bankya, Ovcha Kupel and lvanyane.

As Bulgaria’s capital and economic center, Sofia is a growing hub for international business and events. Visitors can enjoy:

Historic landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Roman Serdica ruins
A vibrant cultural scene with museums, galleries, and theaters
Diverse dining options ranging from traditional Bulgarian cuisine to international restaurants
Easy access to nature, with Vitosha Mountain just minutes from the city

Sofia’s combination of history, accessibility, and modern infrastructure makes it an ideal destination for international conferences and professional gatherings.

BASIC FACTS FOR SOFIA CITY

The name in English: Sofia
Position: Southwest region
Region: Sofia city
Municipality: Stolichna
Sofia city area: 492,029 km2
Postal code for Sofia city: 1000
Telephone code for Sofia city: 02 from Bulgaria, +3592 from abroad
Population:1 291 591 Inhabitants

Easiest way to reach the city is via air transport. Sofia Vasil Levski Airport (https://sofia-airport.eu/en/) is the main international airport in Bulgaria with more than 30 operating international airlines having regular flights to/from major world cities. It is located 10 km east of the city center with regular transportation to/from the city via bus and metro lines.

Sofia is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bulgaria. It has a long history and many historical monuments along with a modern architecture. The tourist information including cultural events, historical places and transportation scheme can be found here: https://www.visitsofia.bg/en/.

Since 1^st of January 2026 the official currency in Bulgaria is Euro.