Tomorrow, 22-nd of September, Bulgaria will commemorate 108 years since her Independence was declared. On 22.09.1908 Bulgarian knyaz #Ferdinand proclaimed with manifest the independence of Bulgaria. The event took place in #Veliko Tarnovo, at the “ Holy Forty Martyrs” church (Sv. 40 Velikomachenitzi). In the period between 1878 (the liberation of Ottoman rule) and 1908, Bulgaria was a vassal principality of the Ottoman Empire. The city of Veliko Tarnovo was chosen intentionally – there in 1185 was proclaimed the #Second Bulgarian Kingdom.  That is to show the link between the Second and Third Bulgarian kingdom. On that day in 1908 Bulgarian knyaz Ferdinand got the title “tsar” (king).
         Nowadays, 22 September is an official holiday in Bulgaria. In Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and many other cities tomorrow there will be official program, dedicated to the special day. The National Guards will perform a military ceremonial. In the National History Museum in Sofia will be shown the Manifest, with which Ferdinand declared the independence. If you happen to be in Bulgaria on that day, enjoy the spirit of 22.09!

           Today, 17.09, the Orthodox Church venerates the day of #St.Sophia the Martyr and her three daughters - Faith, Hope and Charity. She was born in #Italy and during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138) her daughters were tortured in an attempt their mother to be forced to renounce her faith in Christ. 3 days after the death of Faith, Hope and Charity, Sophia also died on their graves.
           In Bulgaria 17.09 is also celebrated as the day of the capital city – Sofia. It is named after the basilica St. Sophia, dated from the late Antiquity. Sofia is capital city of Bulgaria since 1879. Then the city began to progress in economical, administrative, cultural, educational aspect etc. The center is moved around the church St. King (nowadays St. Nedelya church). In 1888 the #University #of #Sofia was found – the biggest and the oldest university in Bulgaria. In 1907 was found the building of the #National #Theater. Since last year people can learn more about Sofia, if they visit the Museum for history of Sofia.

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        Nowadays, Sofia is very popular destination for the tourists. Everyone will be satisfied, regardless of their interests - cultural, religious, architectural, historical, food and wine, SPA and relaxation, art, shopping and so on. Many events are organized annually – concerts, conferences, sport events. Some of the best-known symbols of the city are the #Alexander #Nevski  #Cathedral, the #Rotunda #St.George, the church #St.Sophia, #Narodno #Sabranie #Square, Archaeological museum, Boyana church, National History museum. Except them Sofia can offer many other beautiful sights with its various parks and gardens, #Vitosha mountain around it, #Boyana #waterfall, #Pancharevo lake or just if you get lost in the small streets, admiring the beautiful buildings around you.