Bulgaria Inside

Alexander Nevski
Alexander Nevski cathedral is one of the most magnificent and fine symbols of Sofia. It is situated on a central city square that carries the same name and is close to the National Assembly.

Apart from being city symbol, Alexander Nevski is the church of the Bulgarian patriarch.

The church was constructed in neo-Byzantine style. Its area is 3170 sq m and the height of the tallest bell tower is 50 m. These dimensions make Alexander Nevski the second biggest Orthodox church on the Balkans after a cathedral in Belgrade. To learn more about it, click here.

St. Sofia
St. Sofia church and the Bulgarian capital carry the same name. This is the second oldest church in Sofia after St. George. The church is situated near Alexander Nevski square.

Construction took place in the 4th century over the foundation of several early Christian sanctuaries. Archaeological discoveries confirm the fact. Archaeologists found drawings of birds, flowers and symbols typical for the early Christianity. More information about St. Sofia is available here.

Boyana Church
The Boyana Church St. Nikola and Pantheleimon is one of the Bulgarian monuments under the protection of UNESCO. It is located in Sofia’s Boyana residential district, on Boyansko Ezero Street. The medieval church is in UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. Some of the wall decorations in the church are well known all over the world.

Three construction phases produced the current-day church. The smallest part of the church was built in the late 10th century. The second stage took place in the 13th century with the construction of a two-storey church and a tomb. The last part of the complex was built in the 19th century.

Several layers of wall decorations have piled over each other. Only few fragments of the first layer can be seen. The second layer dates back to the middle of the 13th century. The most outstanding decorations appeared during this period. Over 240 wall paintings gained recognition because of their style and individuality.