The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage dating back three thousand years. Although many structures and remnants of ancient culture have disappeared over time due to the extensive Turkish occupation of the country. However, Sofia boasts a unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture, complemented by many beautiful orthodox churches. HAPPYCAR is here to help you find the best car hire Sofia has to offer so you can take full advantage of this lively city. We check the prices of international and local providers so that you don’t have to check each website to provide you with the best deals on a car rental Sofia to make your money go further on a rental car that fits your specific rental needs. With convienent pick up locations at the Sofia Airport, there is no reason why you shouldn't book your next car hire with HAPPYCAR in this beautiful city!
General Information
Sofia was founded by Thracian tribes some three thousand years ago. Since then, a great many ancient civilizations contributed to the evolution of Bulgarian culture including; Romans, Ancient Greeks, Slavs, and Bulgars were the main cultures, of which traces can still be seen today. In 1396, the Ottoman Empire invaded Bulgaria, converting it into a Turkish province until 1878. This led to the destruction of a great part of Bulgarian culture. However, the only remnants of Turkish rule are a few mosques around Sofia. After WWII, Bulgaria became a satellite state of the Soviet Union and was put under the communist yoke. After the fall of the USSR, Bulgaria adopted a parliamentary democracy and at the beginning of the 21st century, the country finally made considerable economic and social advancements, which catapulted it into the international limelight. Sofia has since become the country’s cultural and economic center.
Take advantage of your Sofia car hire
Driving around the city you will be able to take in the many sights and sounds at your own leisure. Bulgaria is full of important religious and architectural buildings and monuments. The Petka Samardzhiyska Church, built in the 11th century, is dedicated to the Martyr Petka Ikoniyska. Inside you will find wall paintings which date back to the 15th and 16th century. The Banya Bashi Mosque, built in the 16th century, is one of the remnants of Ottoman occupation and it is built over natural thermal spas. In close proximity is a synagogue, which also houses a museum. You will be hard pressed to find another European city that is home to so many Christian, Islamic, and Jewish monuments in such close vicinity. Sofia, famous for its natural mineral springs, boasts an impressive public bath house. History buffs will want to visit the National Historical and Archaeological Museum with the former contains more than 650,000 exhibits and is one of the largest history museums on the Balkans. The latter covers the entire study of the culture of tribes and peoples who have occupied present day Bulgaria from the past until the 18th century.
With your rental car you can take a trip into central Bulgaria. For over a thousand years, Stara Planina, also known as the Balkan range, has been the foundation of the Bulgarian nation. Veliko Tarnovo, which boasts dramatic medieval fortifications and antique houses along the Yantra River, plays an important part in Bulgarian culture and identity. It was here that the National Assembly met to draft Bulgaria’s first constitution in 1879 and it also served as the site for the Communist proclamation of the People’s Republic in 1944. Its narrow streets bend above the Yantra River and denote the old town with its attractive houses and it eventually slopes up into the Varosh Quarter, a beautiful collective of 19th century buildings. They were once home to artisan shops but they now accommodate souvenir and clothing shops.
Book now with HAPPYCAR and take full advantage of the flexibility and freedom your Sofia car rental grants you. Our quick and hassle free service provides you with a great springboard into your adventures. The HAPPYCAR team wishes you a pleasant journey!