St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
4.5
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
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).
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Neighborhood: Serdica
How to get there
- St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,193 within 3 miles
Vino & Tapas
263
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Spanish • Wine Bar
Secret Chef Table
361
0.1 mi$$$$ • Healthy • Eastern European • Vegetarian Friendly
Supa Star
261
0.2 mi$ • European • Soups • Eastern European
Skapto - Shishman 20
1,491
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Royal Thai
196
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant
666
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Healthy
La Capannina
255
0.2 mi$$$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
Izbata Tavern
996
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Eastern European • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Loving Hut Sofia
103
0.2 mi$ • European • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
Lavanda Restaurant
383
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Eastern European
Attractions
197 within 3 miles
Saint Sofia Church
939
477 ftChurches & Cathedrals
Kvadrat 500
127
267 ftArt Galleries
Flea Market
132
214 ftFlea & Street Markets
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
22
224 ftArchitectural Buildings • Educational sites
Ivan Vazov's Grave
1
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Bulgarian National Library (St. Cyrill and St. Methodius National Library)
32
0.1 miLibraries
Academia Gallery of the National Academy of Arts
2
0.1 miArt Galleries • Art Museums
Statue of Tsar Alexander II
300
0.1 miMonuments & Statues
Sofia University Botanic Garden
27
0.1 miGardens
Vasil Levski Monument
50
0.1 miMonuments & Statues
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
6,407 reviews
Excellent
3,950
Very good
1,950
Average
454
Poor
37
Terrible
16
Jessy M
2 contributions
Beautiful cathedral
Jun 2021
Beautiful cathedral and a must see place in Sofia! You can also try to do this at night time - recommended!
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anthony H
Nice, France190 contributions
Unmissable
May 2021
You must see this huge orthodoxe cathedrale. It is as impressive inside than outside. During a day with a blue sky, your pictures will be amazing
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elo L
Roanne City, France86 contributions
Nice cathedrale
May 2021 • Friends
Outside : impressive with its domes
Inside : pretty dark, not as nice as some other fresquas in other churches Bulgaria
Inside : pretty dark, not as nice as some other fresquas in other churches Bulgaria
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ibrahim A
13 contributions
Magnificent building
May 2021
Looks glorious from outside specially. I would recommend to go there before the sunset for good shots.
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Max Hoffman
Berlin, Germany6 contributions
A Nice Vibe and Energy.
Apr 2021
A beautiful cathedral. This is my first time in Bulgaria and I will be here for over 2 weeks. I recommend this place. Orthodox religious places have a very deep vibe and energy. Highly recommended.
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LivingLovingItaly
Naples, Italy1,038 contributions
Beautiful Inside & out
Oct 2020 • Couples
This cathedral is stunning and the lively older woman volunteering on a very quiet day took an interest in showing us around. The language deficit had no impact on her charm and helpfulness. This is a must see spot in Sophia.
Written April 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kendall K
603 contributions
Beautiful former Russian cathedral
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 March 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ogi0
Sofia, Bulgaria14,355 contributions
The Sofia Orthodox Cathedral
Oct 2020
The largest church in the city built in neo-Byzantine style in 1912. The church is very well lit at night, and there is an interesting museum to it.
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grandpa Racho J
Surabaya, Indonesia8 contributions
Bulgaria
Oct 2020 • Solo
Great collection of old icons! Impressive architecture and very easy access with public transportation.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
doppelganger_et
Thessaloniki, Greece522 contributions
The most impressive temple of the city!
Sep 2020
Most impressive temple of the city. A true piece of heritage for the city and a real architectural jewel.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah O
Emersons Green, UK488 contributions
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?
MissPriss234
Marshfield, WI376 contributions
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."
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
AskepotUpikabuCS
Salt Lake City, UT280 contributions
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.
ania ł
Wroclaw, Poland278 contributions
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
XRYSAKAL
Neoi Epivates, Greece89 contributions
Γειά σας, θα ήθελα να ρωτήσω πως μπορώ να μάθω το Πάσχα ποιες είναι οι ώρες που έχει λειτουργίες ο ναός ( Επιτάφιος , Ανάσταση ....
angelaacito
casamassima10 contributions
Quanto dista da hotel light e che numero di metro, è quante fermate
Nunzietta68
479 contributions
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
hfwatson
London245 contributions
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?
LWood2277
Los Angeles, CA369 contributions
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.
AngelaArmo
Hartlepool, UK1 contribution
What are the opening times to the Cathedral on Sat 21 Jan afternoon?
Monica S
Madrid, Spain182 contributions
Until 18:00 h
matildasardegna
Santa Teresa Gallura, Italy515 contributions
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
mrs-robinson90
Pisa, Italy79 contributions
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!
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
- We recommend booking St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 62 St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral:
- Private Sofia Sightseeing (From $59.55)
- Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia (From $48.60)
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show (From $72.92)
- Sofia Retro Tour (From $31.60)
- Market Food Tour (From $42.54)
- Hotels near St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral:
- (0.15 mi) InterContinental Sofia
- (0.13 mi) Sense Hotel Sofia
- (0.11 mi) Hyatt Regency Sofia
- (0.17 mi) L'Opera Guest House
- (0.23 mi) Hotel CITY Sofia
- Restaurants near St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral:
- (0.14 mi) Secret Chef Table
- (0.05 mi) La Cattedrale
- (0.08 mi) Druzya
- (0.08 mi) The Rusty Grill Burgers And More
- (0.18 mi) Vino & Tapas