Photo: Jorge Láscar from Australia · CC BY 2.0 · editedSt Alexander Nevski Cathedral
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Sharon Hahn Darlin · CC BY 2.0 · edited
Why go
- The gilded domes, about 700 square metres of gilding, the most striking feature seen from outside.
- The crypt icon museum, which the cathedral claims holds Europe's largest collection of Orthodox icons.
- The central chandelier, 2,500 kg, hanging 27 metres up.
- The interior of Italian marble, Brazilian onyx and alabaster, with five naves.
Don't miss
- Central domeIt rises 45 metres, with the Lord's Prayer inscribed in thin gold letters around it.Over the centre of the church. On the map
- Fresco of God SabaothA fresco by Myasoedov, one of the most impressive in the church.Under the central dome. On the map
- Relics of Alexander NevskyGiven by the Russian Orthodox Church. The displayed item appears to be a piece of a rib.Left of the altar. On the map
- Twelve bellsTwelve bells totalling 23 tons, the heaviest 12 tons; they can be seen between three columns.Bell tower above the main arched entrance. On the map
- Mosaic icon of the patron saintDesigned by Anton Mitov, it sits 30 metres up.West façade. On the map
Know before you go
- Open daily, 07:00–19:00.
Interesting facts9
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One of the largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world.
Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia - Wikipedia -
3,170 square
The cathedral covers 3,170 square metres.
Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia - Wikipedia -
The architect Alexander Pomerantsev also planned the GUM department store in Moscow.
Alexander-Newski-Kathedrale (Sofia) - Wikipedia -
The first design was by Ivan Bogomolov; Pomerantsev changed it radically.
Cathédrale Saint-Alexandre-Nevski de Sofia - Wikipedia -
Its wooden doors are carved oak with cross-shaped rosettes, made under Karl Bamberg, owner of a furniture factory.
Свети Александър Невски (София) - Wikipedia -
552 metres
It stands on the highest site in Sofia at the time, 552 metres above sea level.
Свети Александър Невски (София) - Wikipedia -
1999
The gilding of its domes was checked and restored in 1999–2001.
Свети Александър Невски (София) - Wikipedia -
100 national
It ranks 59th among the 100 national tourist objects.
Alexander-Newski-Kathedrale (Sofia) - Wikipedia -
The Poganowo icon is also kept in the crypt.
Alexander-Newski-Kathedrale (Sofia) - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
It is named after Saint Alexander Nevsky, a Russian prince. A monument to the liberation was decided in 1879, and voluntary contributions totalling 1 900 000 leva were collected to pay for it. Bombing in the Second World War seriously damaged the cathedral, and its northwest part was hit hardest.
- 1877–1878The Russo-Turkish War frees Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Russian soldiers who died in it are honoured by the cathedral.
- 1882The foundation stone is laid with great ceremony. Two texts recording the war are placed in the foundations, one engraved on metal and one written on parchment.
- 1904–1912Most of the building is completed.
- 1916–1920The cathedral is briefly renamed the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral. Its original name is restored.
- 1924The cathedral is consecrated on 12 September. The celebrations last three days.
Show all
- 1953The cathedral is declared a patriarchal cathedral.
- 1955The cathedral is declared a monument of culture of national importance.
- 1965The crypt, first meant as a tomb, becomes a museum of icons and frescoes.
Sources: Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia - Wikip… · Sofia - Wikivoyage (see) · Начало : ПКСХП “Св. Александър Невски“ · Alexander-Newski-Kathedrale (Sofia) - Wikipedia · Свети Александър Невски (София) - Wikipedia · Cathédrale Saint-Alexandre-Nevski de Sofia - Wi… · checked 18 Oct 2026
- Website
- cathedral.bg/
- Phone
- 35929881704
Questions and answers
How can I contact St Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia?
Its registered phone number is 35929881704, and its official website is www.cathedral.bg.
Where is St Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia?
It stands on Alexander Nevsky Square in the city centre, next to St. Sofia Church. The Monument to the Unknown Soldier and the Bulgarian Parliament are nearby.
How big is St Alexander Nevski Cathedral?
Seen from outside it is 72 metres long and 55 metres wide, and its bell tower rises 53 metres. It covers 3,170 square metres and can hold about 5,000 worshippers.
Is there a museum inside St Alexander Nevski Cathedral?
Yes. The crypt holds a museum of icons and frescoes. The crypt was first meant as a tomb, and it became a museum in 1965.
Is St Alexander Nevski Cathedral the seat of the Patriarch of Bulgaria?
Yes. It is the cathedral of the Patriarch of Bulgaria.
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