Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia (must see)

Construction of Sofia’s Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was dedicated to the Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878— the conflict that finally brought an end to centuries of Ottoman rule in Bulgaria. The cathedral takes its name from Saint Alexander Nevsky, the 13th-century prince whose title “Nevsky” refers to his famed victory over Swedish forces at the Battle of the Neva River in 1240.

The cathedral’s design was created by Alexander N. Pomerantsev, a Russian architect known for his eclectic style. He envisioned a grand Neo-Byzantine cross-domed basilica, drawing inspiration from early Eastern Orthodox architecture. Multiple domes rise above the structure, culminating in a uppermost dome sheathed in real gold. With its arches and monumental presence, the cathedral is often described as one of the largest Orthodox church buildings in the world.

If you stand on the square in front of the cathedral and look up, you will see a gold dome above the bell tower. The bell tower holds twelve bells weighing a total of 23 tons. The larger central golden dome behind it reaches 148 feet in height, while the nave roof spans an impressive 92 feet. As you step inside, you will notice its vast interior—covering 34,000 square feet—and said to be able to accommodate up to 5,000 worshipers.

One of the treasures inside is a pair if royal thrones located on a raised platform in front of the iconostasis. Above the thrones, in the arch, is a mosaic portrait of King Ferdinand and Queen Eleonore in full ceremonial robes, holding a model of the cathedral. Near the altar, a reliquary displays a rib believed to belong to Saint Alexander Nevsky himself. It is recommended that you visit the crypt museum beneath the cathedral, as it houses one of Europe’s largest collections of Orthodox icons.

The cathedral also preserves notable historical artifacts and craftsmanship. The Italian-made marble iconostasis remains one of its most admired features. The crypt museum, open separately from the main sanctuary, displays over 300 icons spanning the 9th to the 19th century, offering one of the most comprehensive surveys of Orthodox icon painting in Europe.