Sofia marks 146 years since it became the capital of Bulgaria

Sofia celebrates 146 years since its declaration as the capital of Bulgaria. At the proposal of historian, scientist and statesman Prof. Marin Drinov, on April 3, 1879, the Constituent Assembly in the old capital Veliko Tarnovo chose Sofia as the capital of the Principality of Bulgaria. According to data from 1878, at that time Sofia had 11,694 inhabitants and had two schools, seven churches, ten inns, 120 shops, 62 taverns, 19 bakeries and 3,306 houses, and its total area was 2.84 sq. km.

The Sofia Municipality is organizing a number festive events to mark the historical date. Two outdoor exhibitions have been opened – “Love Story of Culture and Nature” and “Fashion in the Mirror of a Century.” There will be concerts of the Sofia Brass Orchestra, the “Zdravets” ensemble, the “Sofia” jazz band, the “Emotion” quartet and the Guards Representative Brass Orchestra, as well as competitions for children, said Deputy Mayor for Education Blagorodna Zdravkova.