Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia

Introduction

The cathedral serves as the church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and was designed in Neo-Byzantine style by architect Alexander Pomerantsev. A large central gilded dome, topped with a gold-plated cross, is surrounded by twelve smaller domes. Inside, five aisles can hold around 5,000 worshippers, and the walls are finished in Italian marble and onyx. Its twelve bells were cast in Moscow and range from 10 kilograms to 12 tonnes. The crypt holds a museum of religious art with more than 300 icons, manuscripts and liturgical objects from the 9th to the 19th century. Entry to the cathedral is free and donations are welcome, while the crypt museum and guided tours charge a small fee. It is open daily about 7:00-19:00, including during services. The metro to Serdika leaves a five-minute walk; dress modestly and keep voices low during worship.