Bulgaria Inside

One of the most magnificent buildings in Bulgaria’s Veliko Turnovo is Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno cathedral. The cathedral stands high on a small square in the old part of town. Famous Bulgarian constructor Kolio Ficheto worked on the cathedral from 1842 to 1844. All funds for the construction were donated.

The elliptical windows are probably the most beautiful part of the cathedral. Apart from the impressive exterior architecture, the church features unique interior. The vaults are constructed of bricks and mortar. Two lines of capitals bring symmetry to the interior.

Apart from the main entrance, the Turnovo cathedral has two other entrances positioned symmetrically on both sides.

The church lacks a bell tower. A tower rises 30 m away from it.

Veliko Turnovo’s cathedral has interesting history. A mass was held there after the arrival of Russian troops in Turnovo during the Russo-Turkish war. The church is also the place where Bulgarian rulers Alexander I Batenberg and Ferdinand I were sworn in.

In 1913, the cathedral was entirely destroyed in a major earthquake. A well-preserved model of the building allowed Turnovo residents to restore the church in its original appearance.

Construction of the new building began in 1924 and ended in 1934. Wall paintings were created in 1954. Some of the paintings have historical theme and depict the Christening of Bulgarians and scenes connected to Veliko Turnovo’s history.

The cathedral is situated on 25 Ivan Vazov street. You can visit each day from 7.45 am to 6 pm.