
Sofia has had a long and interesting history, got through a lot of difficulties, before it became the city, we can see nowadays. In the 14th century the Turks seize power and had a great influence there till they were driven away. Then in 1878 Sofia was turned in to a capital and a lot of reconstruction took place (in fact, the alleyways and boulevards that you may see now, were built at those times). The town center was getting its modern appearance: the numerous mosques were demolished, and the Orthodox Church was built again. At the times of the Second World War Sofia was bombed a lot, as Bulgaria was in Axis. More than 3 000 houses were ruined and 9 000 had bad damages (that's why so many buildings in Sofia look brand-new now). When the war was finished, Russian army conquered this city and Bulgaria joined the Eastern Block.