Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Built in Neo-Byzantine style, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and it is one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world. It is one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions. It is among the 10 largest Eastern Orthodox church buildings and is the largest cathedral in the Balkans.

The construction of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral started in 1882, when the foundation stone was laid, but most of it was built between 1904 and 1912. Saint Alexander Nevsky was a Russian prince. The cathedral was created in honour to the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, as a result of which Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule.

The cathedral was designed by Alexander Pomerantsev, aided by Alexander Smirnov and Alexander Yakovlev, as the initial 1884–1885 project of Ivan Bogomolov was radically changed by Pomerantsev. The final design was finished in 1898, and the construction and decoration were done by a team of Bulgarian, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and other European artists, architects and workers.

Interior

The marble parts and the lighting fixtures were created in Munich, the metal elements for the gates in Berlin, while the gates themselves were manufactured in Karl Bamberg's factory in Vienna, and the mosaics were shipped from Venice.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a cross-domed basilica featuring an emphasized central dome. The cathedral's gold-plated dome is 45 m high, with the bell tower reaching 53 metres. The roof span of the central nave is 28 metres The temple has 12 bells with total weight of 23 tons, the heaviest weighing 12 tons and the lightest 10 kilograms. The interior is decorated with Italian marble in various colours, Brazilian onyx, alabaster, and other luxurious materials. The central dome has the Lord's Prayer inscribed around it, with thin gold letters.

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User Reviews

Marc Sylvander (2 years ago)
Beautiful cathedral, although I was hoping to see it from a higher vantage point. Interior is dark, and not overly impressive. 10 lev to take photos

Seah Shao Jun Nigel (2 years ago)
A must-visit in Sofia! This cathedral is a true piece of art that combines history, religion and grandeur into a single entity. It is really gorgeous and looks wonderful from all angles. Moreover, entrance is free! Within the cathedral, you can experience peace and serenity, making it an perfect opportunity for self-reflection. I spent about an hour in it to take in the magnificence of the architecture and the peaceful environment. Moreover, the cathedral is located conveniently in the city center. So you can visit other attractions after this just by walking a bit. There are many delicious F&B outlets available should you crave some food after visiting here. There is also a street market nearby which sells different souvenirs, some of which are vintage, at reasonable prices.

Harshil Dave (2 years ago)
An iconic landmark for Bulgaria with lots of rich history. The cathedral is really beautiful and looks wonderful from all viewing angles. The entrance to the cathedral is free. This is a must visit attraction while visiting Sofia. Nearby attractions include Russian Orthodox Church which is also very beautiful.

tskumar (2 years ago)
A must visit place. The architecture is gorgeous. Entry is free but you take photos, you have to pay a little. The paintings of the walls and under the roof is interesting. Parking places are available but to pay with a specific app or sending SMS from the local number.

Elias Chelala (2 years ago)
I had the incredible opportunity to visit the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral during my recent trip, and I must say, it left me awe-inspired. The cathedral's architecture is a true masterpiece that beautifully blends history, spirituality, and grandeur. As I approached the cathedral, its magnificent domes glistened in the sunlight, casting a spellbinding reflection in the nearby pond. The sheer scale of the cathedral is jaw-dropping, and it truly stands as a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the artisans who brought this vision to life. The cathedral's ambiance is peaceful and serene, making it an ideal place for introspection and reflection. I spent a considerable amount of time simply absorbing the beauty of the architecture and the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or someone seeking a moment of spiritual solace, the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral offers an experience that is bound to leave a lasting impression. The cathedral's location is also advantageous, nestled within a charming part of the city with ample opportunities to explore the surrounding area. The guides on site were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, providing valuable insights into the cathedral's history and significance. Visiting the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was an enriching experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. I highly recommend adding this architectural marvel to your must-visit list when in the area. It's not just a cathedral; it's a living piece of history that exudes an aura of majesty and spirituality.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

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