Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky

Eastern Orthodox Church · Sofia
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by Takashi Images / Shutterstock
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky by null

Highlights

Neo-Byzantine cathedral with stunning frescoes & icon museum

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Sofia Center, pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria Get directions

Austin Graff

Google
What a stunning cathedral! When the doors are open, step inside. Just make sure to do so respectfully. Yes, it's beautiful to look at, but it's still a working cathedral so keep voices down and know when NOT to take photos. Downstairs is a museum of icons. Near the cathedral in the park is a market with vendors selling Soviet-era trinkets and more.

Dany P

Google
This place is stunning. The cathedral looks amazing, the entrance is free, but donations can be made, there are special boxes inside. Also, there is a small shop at the entrance, there you can buy souvenirs and candles. The place is not very crowded, we arrived in a Sunday evening and there were no issues. Definitely worth visiting when in Sofia.

Walter white

Google
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of those places you can’t miss in Sofia. The size and design are impressive, but what I liked most was how calm it felt around the building despite being a popular spot. The golden domes are beautiful, especially when the sun hits them. Inside, the details in the icons and walls are worth taking time to look at. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a place that shows a lot about the city’s history and culture

Francesco Fatigati

Google
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the most iconic landmark in Sofia and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkans. Its impressive neo-Byzantine architecture, with golden domes and richly decorated façades, makes it breathtaking both from the outside and inside. The interior is vast and solemn, filled with beautiful frescoes, icons, and chandeliers, creating a truly spiritual atmosphere. The crypt below the cathedral houses an excellent collection of Orthodox icons and is definitely worth a visit. Located in the heart of the city, the cathedral is easy to reach and surrounded by spacious squares and important monuments. A must-see in Sofia and one of the highlights of Bulgaria.

Kauser Khan

Google
This Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox church buildings in the world. It was built in the Neo-Byzantine style and completed in 1912. Its striking gold-plated dome rises 45 meters high. The cathedral was built to honor the Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878.

madhushree mitra

Google
One of Sofia’s most iconic landmarks, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is truly a masterpiece of architecture and spiritual presence. The massive gold dome, elegant arches, and layered Neo-Byzantine design make it a standout from the moment you approach it. Inside, the cathedral feels hushed and reverent. The space is lit with soft natural light, filtered through the domes and windows, falling gently on the dark, rich frescoes and chandeliers. There’s a deep sense of calm here, a place that invites you to pause and take it in slowly. Don’t miss the crypt beneath the cathedral—it houses an extraordinary icon museum, with one of the finest collections of Bulgarian Orthodox icons in the country. Quiet and atmospheric, it adds another layer of depth to the visit—especially if you're interested in religious art and history. This isn’t just a tourist stop—it’s a place of beauty, heritage, and stillness. Absolutely worth visiting if you're in Sofia.

Malik Zaka

Google
A breathtaking masterpiece in the heart of Sofia! The golden domes shine beautifully, and the interior is filled with stunning icons and serene atmosphere. A must-visit landmark that captures the city’s rich history and spiritual beauty.

Frank Yen

Google
Gorgeous and iconic church in the center of Sofia. Please come here in the morning and also in the evening. For the view in the evening, it looks like a beautiful gold sparkling its light to everyone! The inner part of the church was also amazing and spacious! Must visit it when you come to Sofia!

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