St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
4.5
About
Completed in 1912, St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral Stauropigial Memorial-Church is an impressive landmark in Sofia. The church was built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War (1877-1878).
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The area
Neighbourhood: Serdica
How to get there
- St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University • 6 min walk
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268 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Jason SMelbourne, Australia2,370 contributionsUnique design for CathedralFrom outside it does look really good, not a normal cathedral design you would see in Europe, multiple gold domes glow at night. Inside also very different, mostly standing with chairs around perimeter, high ceiling with full wall paintings all to a high standard. I visited on national holiday making it even more special. Free to enter but you pay to take photos.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 19 December 2023
- Paul16 contributionsA Truly Impressive CathedralThe Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is truly impressive. It's huge from the outside and appears even larger from the inside. Excellent religious art adorns every wall, ceiling, and space. Gold, silver, and other precious metals shine and make the inside glow. Highly recommend.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 8 January 2024
- pip2246London, United Kingdom591 contributionsImpressiveIf you love history and architecture it's well worth a visit. Free to enter but a small fee payable to take pictures. There was a funeral when we visit so did not take any pictures inside as a mark of respect.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 March 2024
- Andy S21 contributionsEnhancing and delivering a good messageVisit by day, visit by night, look around outside. Marvel at the roofs and how all the shapes interact, go inside by day and see the shapes from the other side, admire the paintings, chandeliers, windows and the frescos. Soak up the ambiance smell the onsence, admire the stone floors and Masonic craft on the thrones, screens and, pulpit. Listen to the acoustics and admire the craft of orating in a space that reverberates and echoes your words. Think of the power it provides to delivering the message. Take time to understand how this church with this name comes to be here, how it was conceived, how it was sanctioned, and where the no ey came from. All only around 100 years ago.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2024
- KemikOjstraMaribor, Slovenia1,776 contributionsOne of the best Orthodox churches in the worldIt was really nice to visit such an amazing place, the biggest Orthodox church in Bulgaria, built in Neo-Byzantine style. Its domes are beautifully coloured all along and scene outside is gigantic, tremendous, unforgetable. Interior is darker and if you want to take photos inside, you must buy a ticket for 10 BGN (around 5 €).Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 4 June 2024
- Paul SChesterfield, United Kingdom8 contributionsA pure Gem a must see in sofiaA spectacular looking cathedral the gem of Sofia you can look and enjoy it all with benches near by. And inside it's just beautiful will inform it costs 10 lev for pictures and 30 lev for videos. It was worth every pennyVisited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 7 June 2024
- SocccaTolmin, Slovenia1,806 contributionsImpressive cathedralThe largest Orthodox cathedral in Bulgaria, the symbol of Sofia is located in a beautiful square from which you can admire an imposing view of the building. The cathedral has a beautiful exterior with many domes as well as an interior with beautiful frescoes. Entry is free, but you must pay to take photos.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 25 June 2024
- Tilihi AndreiBucharest, Romania30 contributionsOne of the most beautiful Orthodox churchesThe "Alexandr Nevski" cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals I've seen. It's an imposing cathedral, with a rich history. You can't really take pictures inside and that can be disturbing. In my opinion, it's the the most beautiful building in Sofia.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 July 2024
- Evan KuoMadrid, Spain1,436 contributionsThis is Sofia's most iconic Orthodox churchThis is Sofia's most iconic Orthodox church, featuring a stunning gold and lake green dome with a white facade. It is centrally located next to Sofia University and St. Sophia Church. If you have the opportunity to visit Sofia, this is a must-see site. The interior is ornately decorated, as traditional Orthodox churches are, but you can see traces of mural paintings and many watermarks on the walls. Photography and filming are not permitted inside, although entry is free. We were fortunate to witness some religious ceremonies, including traditional hymn singing and rituals performed by the priest.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 July 2024
- MaximilianHong Kong, China1,870 contributionsMagnificent Architectural Marvel in SofiaThe Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia fully deserves its 5-star rating as one of the city's most impressive landmarks. This stunning Orthodox cathedral is a true architectural masterpiece that captivates visitors with its grandeur and beauty. The building's imposing structure, with its neo-Byzantine style and distinctive golden domes, creates an awe-inspiring sight. The intricate details of the exterior, from the ornate decorations to the grand entrance, showcase exceptional craftsmanship. Inside, the cathedral continues to impress with its spacious interior, adorned with elaborate frescoes, icons, and mosaics. The atmosphere within is both serene and majestic, offering visitors a glimpse into Bulgaria's rich religious and cultural heritage. The cathedral's historical significance adds to its appeal, serving as a symbol of Bulgarian identity and Orthodox faith. Its prominent location in the heart of Sofia makes it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting the city. Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply appreciating beautiful buildings, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a must-see destination. It stands as a testament to Bulgaria's artistic and spiritual legacy, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
6,663 reviews
Excellent
4,121
Very good
2,010
Average
473
Poor
42
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17
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Kendall K
1,159 contributions
Feb 2021
It's amazing how buildings like these stand the test of time. I enjoy old architecture and this cathedral was beautiful. You have to pay to take photos in doors, regardless of having photos it's great to look at and stare at the massive ceilings and art work.
Written 5 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oliver S
New York City, NY11,478 contributions
Sept 2022
It looks very impressive from outside, but inside it’s dingy, dark and dusty. Immediately upon entering, I’m surrounded by a bunch of guys in long black robes, yelling “ticket photo, ticket photo”. So, I buy a ticket in order to be allowed to take pictures inside, not that I can do much with the lack of light and the flash prohibition… It takes the Bulgarians about forty years to build this church, with contributions from the people. It glorifies a Russian General who the Russian Orthodox Church canonized as Saint after his death, due to his many military victories, go figure that one!
The building is in dire need of repairs, even some simple cleaning will improve its state… The Crypt downstairs has an interesting collection of Byzantine icons, worth seeing.
The building is in dire need of repairs, even some simple cleaning will improve its state… The Crypt downstairs has an interesting collection of Byzantine icons, worth seeing.
Written 19 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Urius
Vilnius, Lithuania772 contributions
Jun 2022
Massive church with free entrance to explore the interior, with several limitations, photography requires a fee. The church itself is very grand, with impressive arches and domes. It's worth the time to go inside after walking around the exterior.
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan J
Los Angeles, CA156 contributions
Nov 2019
The exterior is amaxing and grand and the inside is ornate and rich in esthetic. Go inside and discover the rich art work of the altar but please be very respectful as this is an active church and mass are being observed at a certain time of the day. Love it too at night, it is beautifully lit and beautiful.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danybambi
Bagolino, Italy7,748 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Definitely an attraction not to be missed if you visit Sofia is the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, symbol of the city. It is also worth seeing in the evening when it is all lit up in the center of the square. Majestic and imposing with its white and green and golden domes. The interior can be visited for free and I recommend it because it is large with several frescoes even if a little dark. If you want to take photos or videos you have to pay a ticket of 2.50 levs (€5.00) but let's say that no one is so fiscal to check...
Written 19 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marija_12
Zadar, Zagrebacka, Croatia235 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Certainly not the prettiest church in Sofia, but obviously the iconic one. Nevertheless, the cars drive around, there was lots of construction just around it, the interior looks like it needs some refurbishment and some parts were closed off because clearly they didn't even do the basic work on icons. It also looks dirty from the outside, it's quite shocking to see the symbol of the country looking run down.
Inside, a guard was constantly going after people who tried to take photos inside without paying and visitors, both locals and tourists, did not show respect for the place.
I have no desire to go back, unless I had a guide to tell me what I'm looking at.
Inside, a guard was constantly going after people who tried to take photos inside without paying and visitors, both locals and tourists, did not show respect for the place.
I have no desire to go back, unless I had a guide to tell me what I'm looking at.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katya Jissova
Zhuhai, China10 contributions
Feb 2020
This cathedral is one of Sofia's, and Bulgaria's very emblematic sites and it is famous for its Golden domes. There is so much history, as well as religious meaning in it.
The church itself is very rich of beautiful painted orthodox frescos . There is a feeling of a concentrated spirituality inside, which will not leave you unmoved.
Definitely worth visiting!
The church itself is very rich of beautiful painted orthodox frescos . There is a feeling of a concentrated spirituality inside, which will not leave you unmoved.
Definitely worth visiting!
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmaria1202
Baton Rouge, LA245 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We were lucky to visit on a day when the lights were on inside so we were able to see the amazing detail work inside this cathedral. Note that it costs 10 leva to take pictures inside, and the security is very aggressive in ensuring that people are not taking pictures without permission; keep your photo pass visible at all times. Absolutely gorgeous!
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leileireid
London, UK791 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
The cathedral is free to enter however if you want to take photos on the inside it’s 10 LV and to video is 30 LV which considering it’s free seems reasonable however you do have to hunt a member of staff down to pay the fee.
This cathedral is very unique in that everything is pained directly on to the wall. I can only imagine how bright and vibrant the colours would have been when first painted it must have been an absolute wow.
It’s definitely worth a visit but bring your imagination with you for the artwork.
This cathedral is very unique in that everything is pained directly on to the wall. I can only imagine how bright and vibrant the colours would have been when first painted it must have been an absolute wow.
It’s definitely worth a visit but bring your imagination with you for the artwork.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip L
Melbourne, Australia364 contributions
May 2023
To be fair, I'm not one for churches and cathedrals, but this Cathedral is a landmark building of Sofia. That suggests you need to see it. Particularly impressive from the outside and a paradise for photography, the interior whilst huge, is a little gloomy.
Entry is free, but photo taking inside will incur a cost and certainly whilst we were there, enforcement was obvious.
Entry is free, but photo taking inside will incur a cost and certainly whilst we were there, enforcement was obvious.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be visiting over the Orthodox Easter, will we be able to enter the Cathedral/Churches on Easter Sunday (28/4) when services aren't on does anyone know please?
Written 3 January 2019
Sorry, I'm late. Answer "Qualified yes. There may be standing room only. You may be asked to move tables, like we were. I have never been refused entry in any Eastern Church and often have been welcomed by the priest."
Written 3 March 2019
what time does the church work?
not as a museum, but as a Christian space.
the morning of Sunday (for example) what time does the operation begin? and what time is it ending?
Τι ωρες εχει κανονικη λειτουργια η εκκλησια? Το πρωι της Κυριακης λειτουργει κανονικα? μεχρι τι ωρα?
ευχαριστω Νικος
Written 24 May 2018
What are the hours for this church? Are they open after 5pm? What about on Sunday? I can't find this info on the website.
Written 30 April 2018
Hi i was visiting the church after 17 and it was open. Im not sure till what time it’s open, but i Think it’s normally open on Sun
Written 6 May 2018
Γειά σας, θα ήθελα να ρωτήσω πως μπορώ να μάθω το Πάσχα ποιες είναι οι ώρες που έχει λειτουργίες ο ναός ( Επιτάφιος , Ανάσταση ....
Written 16 March 2018
Quanto dista da hotel light e che numero di metro, è quante fermate
Written 20 November 2017
Dall'aeroporto terminal t2 (se scendi al t1 c'è una navetta gratuita che ti porta al t2) c'è la metro che ti porta alla fermata Serdika che è proprio in centro. Gli euro li devi cambiare in lev bulgari. Cambia 10 euro in aeroporto e il resto in centro dove trovi un sacco di banche e bancomat
Written 23 November 2017
Can you climb up to the dome? I just watched Great Continental Railway Journeys and Michael Portillo did - or is that just for the BBC?
Written 20 February 2017
I didn't see any access where that would be allowed. It was a pretty quiet day though. I couldn't swear that it wasn't available at some other time.
Written 21 February 2017
What are the opening times to the Cathedral on Sat 21 Jan afternoon?
Written 20 January 2017
ciao scusa il disturbo partirò per Sofia giovedì per il mio compleanno e sono un'attimo in ansia.... potresti rispondere a due domande? prima ... vale la pena andare a vederla ??' seconda la più importante . parlano inglese? perché sono terrorizzata dal fatto che nn ci capiremo ..grazie e buona vacanza
Written 11 October 2016
A Sofia non c'è molto da vedere però è piacevole girarla a piedi per scoprire diversi monumenti interessanti...C'è tanto verde...parchi e giardini molto curati...La Cattedrale Nevskij è davvero imponente! Come ha scritto il Signor Giovanni anche la chiesa ortodossa russa è molto carina...un gioiello! Nella zona centrale si trovano molte persone che parlano inglese...Però se avete tempo e posso darvi un consiglio, dovreste fare un'escursione al Monastero di Rila, davvero molto interessante! Buon viaggio!
Written 12 October 2016
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