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About

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Sofia’s most iconic landmark and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world. Built between 1882 and 1912 in Neo-Byzantine style, it honors the Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, which led to Bulgaria’s liberation. The cathedral dominates the city skyline with its gilded domes, marble colonnades, and soaring bell tower reaching 53 meters. Inside, it features five richly decorated naves, Italian and Moroccan marble, Brazilian onyx, and Venetian mosaics. The central chandelier alone weighs 2.5 tonnes. With a capacity of 5,000 worshippers, it serves as the seat of the Bulgarian Orthodox Patriarch. The cathedral stands on the highest point of downtown Sofia and houses relics, including a rib bone of St. Alexander Nevsky. Open daily and free to enter, it remains a spiritual, architectural, and national symbol—uniting history, faith, and artistry in the heart of Bulgaria’s capital.

Sofia Bulgaria

Location

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located at Alexander Nevsky Square in the heart of Sofia, serving as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Balkans. The cathedral is easily accessible and stands out with its striking gold-plated domes, making it a central point for tourists exploring Sofia’s historical and cultural core. Nearby, visitors can explore several of Sofia’s key attractions within walking distance. Directly adjacent is the Saint Sophia Church, the city’s oldest church, and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. The National Assembly building and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences are also close by, as well as the National Gallery for Foreign Art and the Crystal Garden. The area around the cathedral hosts an outdoor antiques and flea market, and the crypt beneath the cathedral houses a museum of Orthodox icons, part of the National Art Gallery. This central location places the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at the heart of Sofia’s most significant cultural, historical, and architectural sites, making it a must-visit for any tourist in the city.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

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