With its gilded onion domes, green roof and colorful ceramic details, the Russian Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is a striking landmark in central Sofia. Built between 1907 and 1914 for the Russian diplomatic community, it was designed by architect Mikhail Preobrazhensky in a style inspired by 17th-century Russian church architecture.
Inside, frescoes, icons and gilded ornament create an intimate setting for Orthodox worship. Beneath the church is the tomb of St Seraphim of Bogucharsky, a Russian émigré archbishop who died in Sofia in 1950. Visitors leave handwritten petitions at his tomb, a local tradition that makes the crypt a place of devotion as well as curiosity.
The church is an easy stop on a walk through central Sofia, within walking distance of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the yellow-brick streets around the Presidency. Dress modestly and be considerate of worshippers, especially during services. Check current opening times before visiting, and note that access to the crypt may differ from access to the main church.