Sofia was elected the capital of Bulgaria in 1879 by the first Bulgarian National Assembly. At that time the city had lost its previous majesty. “There were no streets, only huge holes and lots of dust that turned into mud when it was raining and making every move impossible,” said eyewitnesses.
Sofia was chosen as a capital because of its central location on the Balkan Peninsula. It also occupies a central position with regard to the lands inhabited by Bulgarians who remain outside Bulgaria.
For several decades the city has been transformed. It became the preferred residence of correspondents of European newspapers for the Balkans.
