保加利亞 Bulgaria: Sofia, Rila

保加利亞是歐洲最古老的國家之一, 現在的北部相當於古代Mercia東部, 而南部相當於古代Thrace北部, 古代居民為Thracians。在古代, Thrace被稱為歐洲, 而土耳其的Anatolia則被稱為亞洲（first post 地圖）, 然後才成為現在兩大洲的名稱。 Karanovo文化在這裡出現, 可以追溯到6500 BC。保加利亞南部發現了世界上最古老的黃金文物, 最古老的男人佩戴的黃金首飾(4500 BC)。保加利亞帝國是從東來的Bulgar游牧部落建立的, 在9世紀，創造了西里爾文字。Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Thrace was referred to as Europe and Anatolia in Turkey as Asia (first post map), prior to the extension of the terms to describe both continents. The Karanovo culture arose here and dates back to 6500 BC. The Bulgarian Empire was built by Bulgar horde (from the east). In 9th century, it created the Cyrillic script (Кирилица).

Sofia is Bulgaria's capital. Its Neo-Byzantine golden domed Alexander Nevsky Church, mostly built in 1904-1912, is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. The Saint Sofia Church (3rd picture) is the second oldest church in Sofia (4th-6th century). In 14th century, the church gave its name to the city.

The statue of Sveta Sofia, erected in 2000, stands in a spot once occupied by a statue of Lenin. Sofia was considered too erotic and pagan to be referred to as a saint. Not too far is the ancient ruin of Serdica, a Roman city, and Banya Bashi Mosque, a remnant of the Ottoman rule. In afternoon, we visited the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and a UNESCO World Heritage site. At night, we enjoyed a Bulgarian folklore show.

At the National Historical Museum, it exhibits the oldest gold jewelry, which was discovered at the Varna Necropolis site (4569–4340 BC), in the world. It also has 9 gold vessels, with scenes of Thracian myths, discovered at Panagyurishte and dated to 400 BC.

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