St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
4.5
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Read more
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
1,277 within 3 miles

Secret Chef Table
376
0.1 mi$$$$ • Healthy • Eastern European • Vegetarian Friendly

Vino & Tapas
267
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Spanish • Wine Bar

Loving Hut Sofia
111
0.2 mi$ • European • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly

Supa Star
265
0.2 mi$ • European • Soups • Eastern European

Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant
681
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Healthy

Skapto - Shishman 20
1,509
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Royal Thai
206
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly

Izbata Tavern
1,045
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Eastern European • Central European • Vegetarian Friendly

Staria Chinar - Sofia
135
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Barbecue • European • Eastern European

La Capannina
265
0.2 mi$$$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
Attractions
237 within 6 miles

Saint Sofia Church
944
477 ftChurches & Cathedrals

Kvadrat 500
130
267 ftArt Galleries

Flea Market
134
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

Statue of Tsar Alexander II
305
0.1 miMonuments & Statues

Academia Gallery of the National Academy of Arts
2
0.1 miArt Galleries • Art Museums

Vasil Levski Monument
51
0.1 miMonuments & Statues

Sofia University Botanic Garden
28
0.1 miGardens
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,469 reviews
Excellent
3,988
Very good
1,967
Average
460
Poor
38
Terrible
16
Maurice87
Belfast13 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
If you are visiting Sofia it has to be near the top of your list of places to visit. The photos don’t do it do it justice - from the outside it is breath taking and the sheer size and scale is awe inspiring. Visit in the afternoon and see the sun shine of the golden domes. Inside is equally magnificent with exquisite frescos, pulpit, statues etc. It is quite dark inside but all the churches in Sofia are - it’s either the historically tiny windows or to protect the art work inside. Again it is free to enter like nearly all the churches in Sofia but beware if you want to take photos you need to pay 10 Lev (£4) at the reception and they are very vigilant about checking this - a must see 👍🏼
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
190383George
Nicosia, Cyprus150 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
A must see if you are in Sofia. Alexander Nevsky church is stunning outside and inside.You will admire the golden roof ( builded by Russians)and it’s beautiful icons at the huge main room. No seats for faithfuls cause they believed that it would be impiety. But there are some wooden benches to seat if you’re a traveller. The only negative is that you have to pay if you want to get some photos(5 leva) or even if you want to light a candle.. Overall though this impressive, amazing cathedral is something you have to see. Plus there are restaurants and coffee shops, at the area.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DavieU
Dubai254 contributions
Apr 2022
This is the symbol of Sofia and magnificent from the outside. Inside it is quite dark and the frescos are dirty (with candles I guess) so cleaning/restoring them could uncover amazing sights. Obviously primarily it's a place of worship - but it would attract a lot more visitors. It's 10 Lv to take photos.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kendall K
687 contributions
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.
Pheng L
8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Amazing beautiful church on the outside. Inside is unique and there is a relic that of the saint that is display. The inside is not as decorated as churches in Italy or France but still very worth visiting. Entrance is free, but if you want to take pictures of the inside, there is a 10LEV fee.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Levi N
Fairfax, VA610 contributions
Oct 2021
The place is beautiful and a highlight of visiting Sofia, but it was mostly ruined by the strict roving ushers there. If you pulled your phone out to look at something, you got a reprimanded. If you talked to your friends, you were told to be quiet. They kept strict view of who donated to take pictures and would stop folks they thought didn't even though there was no record keeping. It was really oppressive and made the visit less than pleasant. We'd recommend not going inside given the unwelcoming feeling from this church.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ryan J
Los Angeles, CA152 contributions
Nov 2019
The exterior is amaxing and grand and the inside is ornate and rich in esthetic. Go inside and discover the rich art work of the altar but please be very respectful as this is an active church and mass are being observed at a certain time of the day. Love it too at night, it is beautifully lit and beautiful.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LivingLovingItaly
Naples, Italy1,105 contributions
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.
Katya Jissova
Zhuhai, China10 contributions
Feb 2020
This cathedral is one of Sofia's, and Bulgaria's very emblematic sites and it is famous for its Golden domes. There is so much history, as well as religious meaning in it.
The church itself is very rich of beautiful painted orthodox frescos . There is a feeling of a concentrated spirituality inside, which will not leave you unmoved.
Definitely worth visiting!
The church itself is very rich of beautiful painted orthodox frescos . There is a feeling of a concentrated spirituality inside, which will not leave you unmoved.
Definitely worth visiting!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John M
New York City, NY574 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Sofia's main attraction, the Nevski cathedral is an impressive example of Orthodox architecture. The exterior is amazing - making sure to walk around the building to view all angles. The inside is atmospheric and beautiful. Highly recommended.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sarah O
Emersons Green, UK487 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, WI379 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, UT289 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, Poland279 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, Greece91 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
476 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, CA379 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 49 St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral:
- (0.03 mi) Sofia Crystal Garden Apartment
- (0.15 mi) InterContinental Sofia
- (0.15 mi) Hyatt Regency Sofia
- (0.13 mi) Sense Hotel Sofia
- (0.17 mi) L'Opera Guest House
- 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
- (0.16 mi) La Capannina