Bulgaria Inside

Chapel-mausoleum St. Georgi Pobedonosets is one of Pleven’s symbols and the sign on the town’s coat of arms.

The chapel is situated on Vyzrazhdane square, in the central part of town. It was constructed making use of the donations of patriotic Bulgarians members of the Tsar Osvoboditel Alexander II committee. Construction took place between 1903 and 1907.

Three sarcophaguses in the crypt of the chapel protect the remains of soldiers who died in the Pleven battle.

Some of the best Bulgarian architects, painters and sculptors from the beginning of the 20th century took part in the construction. Twelve architects competed to win the project and the winter was 27-year old Pencho Koichev.

The sculpture of St. George that stands at the chapel’s entrance features curious symbolism signifying the victory over the Ottoman Empire.

Other famous painters and sculptors worked on the angel figures and the wall paintings inside the chapel. The iconostasis received an award during a Paris fair in 1906.

A wealthy family recently donated the beautiful chandelier.

Though it functions as a chapel, St. Georgi Pobedonosets hosts masses only four times per year. These take place on March 1, March 3, May 6 and December 10, the date on which Pleven declared its independence.

Because of the acoustics, the chapel often hosts concerts.

Tour guides will let you know curious details in Bulgarian, Russian, French, Polish, English and Spanish. There is no entry fee. The chapel welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.