Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

80 years since the most brutal bombing of Sofia

Photo: sofiahistorymuseum.bg

Exactly 80 years ago - on January 10, 1944, during the Second World War, the most destructive round-the-clock Anglo-American bombing was carried out over Sofia. At nighttime, the Bulgarian capital city was attacked by the British aviation, and during the day - by the American. 

A total of 1,784 bombs were dropped on the capital city. Despite the resistance of the anti-aircraft artillery and the Bulgarian aviation, the enemy managed to inflict serious damage. Nearly 950 people died, mostly civilians, and more than 700 were injured, reports the Regional History Museum in Sofia. A mass evacuation of the population began In just one week, over 300,000 residents left Sofia.

During the Second World War, Tsar Boris III and the government of Prof. Bogdan Filov tried to maintain neutrality, but this proved impossible. On March 1, 1941, the prime minister signed a protocol in Vienna for the accession of Bulgaria to the Tripartite Pact. Under the pressure of Germany and Italy, on December 13, 1941, Bulgaria declared a symbolic war on the USA and England. Most of the ruling elite did not suspect that this act would soon cause severe destruction in Sofia.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria mark the Dormition of St. John of Rila

Orthodox Christians mark the Dormition of St. John of Rila, who is considered the heavenly protector of the Bulgarian people. The saint was born in the village of Skrino in the Osogovo Mountain in the second half of the 9th..

published on 8/18/24 11:21 AM

Reconstruction of a Roman military camp near Apriltsi

A reconstruction of a Roman battle camp is being organized in the municipality of Apriltsi from August 16 to 18 . The event in the park of the "Novo Selo" district is mainly aimed at children and family audiences.  On Mount Ostrets near Apriltsi there..

published on 8/16/24 5:15 AM

The Assumption of the Theotokos glorifies the immense love of the Mother of God

They call the Holy Virgin Mother of true Life, who saves human souls from death with her prayers. She is the most loved and the most glorified after God, to whom everyone turns. The Orthodox Church honors her on August 15, the day of her..

published on 8/15/24 6:10 AM