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Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, a place which brings this amazing city to l

Hotels in Sofia

Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, a place which brings this amazing city to l

Anita Valentinova, 21.03.2009

What do you need to know when it comes to travelling to a place which you hardly know? Well, it may be its people, traditions, passions, emotions, history, cultural landmarks or the ordinary daily life. No matter whether you have ever visited Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia or not, I would like to lead you to a must-see stop in one of European cities, which boasts rich cultural heritage and extraordinary history. God sometimes brings us back to the spiritual landmarks of life. All that we need to do is to feel the rhythm of the heart, listen to the true words and follow our thoughts no matter where they will lead us to? It can be a great adventure to wander the streets of the city, which its ever growing, but never ageing, but I recommend you to focus on one of the most interesting landmarks in Sofia, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, memorable to any visit. Do you think it is impossible to be indulged in amazing art, interesting history and religion in only one day? Believe it or not, a trip to Sofia city would be rather incomplete without visiting Alexander Nevski Cathedral. When I decided to set off for one of the most photographed Sofia landmarks, I did not have the slightest idea that I would remain speechless at this imposing memorial church. One is sure, though, undoubtedly, you should not miss to marvel at the magnificent beauty of Alexander Nevski Cathedral before starting your exploration of Sofia city

. As I may say, you will make a step back in time and history and you will make a step forward to complete dedication and pure admiration.

Alexander Nevski is a magnificent neo-Byzantine cathedral-sized church, topped by copper and golden domes. Considered to be the heart of the city, it was built between 1882 and 1912 in honour of the Russian soldiers, who fell when the Russian army helped liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman rule in 1878. The church has its name from Alexander Nevski, credited with saving Russia from Swedish troops in 1240 and the patron saint of the family of the tsar at that time, Alexander II (also known as Tsar Osvoboditel, the ‘Tsar Liberator') who led the army that drove out the Turks. Inside the church, the central altar is dedicated to St Alexander Nevski, the southern altar to St Boris (who brought Christian religion to Bulgaria) and the northern altar to Saints Cyril and Methodius (who created the Cyrillic alphabet). 32 Russian and 13 Bulgarian artists worked on the amazing frecoes. The Icon Museum is the place where over 300 icons and mural frescoes from the Bulgarian monasteries represent the development of Bulgarian icon-painting from the late ninth century up to the end of the 19th century.

Finally, I don’t know what to say, you should visit Alexander Nevski Cathedral so as to share my feelings about it. What you need to is a map of Sofia, a photo, enthusiasm and positive attitude towards life! I wish you good luck! I am sure that Sofia will never look the same for you!