St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Sofia’s most recognisable landmark, its gold-covered domes rising above a broad square in the city centre. Built largely between 1904 and 1912, the Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral commemorates soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78, which led to Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule. It is named for the medieval Russian prince and Orthodox saint Alexander Nevsky.
Inside, the vast, dimly lit space is richly furnished with marble, onyx and alabaster, while murals and icons bring together the work of Bulgarian and Russian artists. The cathedral remains an active place of worship, and hearing a service offers a different experience from simply admiring its architecture. Beneath the church, a branch of Bulgaria’s National Gallery displays a collection of Orthodox icons, including works from the medieval period onward.
Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter look, and dress respectfully as you would at any working church. The icon museum has a separate entrance and admission charge; check its opening hours before setting out. Photography rules can change, so look for signs or ask staff before taking pictures, particularly during services.