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Sofia Region
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Things to Do in Sofia
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia

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St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

See all things to do
See all things to do
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
4.5
6,469
#3 of 283 things to do in Sofia
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
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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).
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The area
Neighborhood: Serdica
How to get there
  • St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University • 6 min walk
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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
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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
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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
St Alexandra Nevsky Cathedral
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
Stunning
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
Great history, in need of internal clean
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
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.
Pheng L
8 contributions
Beautiful church
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
Dictatorial Ushers
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
Iconic Place
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
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.
Katya Jissova
Zhuhai, China10 contributions
One of Sofia's a must-see sites
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!
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
Beautiful architecture
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.
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