Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the greatest architectural jewel not only in Sofia but in the whole Balkans. It is big and exotic. We visited it for the first time in the early morning. It's been a marvellous sight to look at the golden domes bathing in soft light of the raising sun.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built in honour of Russian soldiers that died in 1877-78 during a war, which ended with the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman rule. The cathedral was completed in 1912 after 30 years of construction involving engineers and artists from 6 countries. Particularly interesting are huge chandeliers and interior decorations made of Italian marble, Egyptian alabaster, Brazilian onyx and gold.
We were lucky to visit the cathedral during a ceremony, deep voices of orthodox priests created unforgettable atmosphere.
There are several stalls next to the cathedral (towards the Russian church) selling Bulgarian artistic and not so artistic souvenirs.
Entry into the cathedral is free, you may be however stopped by several women in front of it selling flowers or just begging for change.
Russian Church
The Church of St Nicholas, more commonly known as the Russian Church, is small, but probably the prettiest church in Sofia. Its roof is covered with green tiles perfectly complementing its gold-plated domes. Russian church with its exotic shapes and vivid colours will inevitably make you reach for the camera.
St. Sofia Church
St. Sofia Church is much smaller that Alexander Nevsky cathedral and draws much less attention from visitors.
Dazzled from the grandeur of the cathedral you will probably walk past St. Sofia Church without even noticing it. From the historical point of view however St. Sofia church is important. It is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in Sofia built during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian between 527-565.
St. Sofia Church is built of red and brown bricks according to the Byzantine model: in a shape of a cross with a dome in the centre. In the 14th century Bulgarian capital was named after St. Sofia Church.
St. Nedelya Church
St. Nedelya Church lies in between the two busiest streets in the centre of Sofia: famous Vitosha Boulevard and Maria Luisa Boulevard. St. Nedelya church was built between 1856-1963 on the remains of a Roman settlement Serdica.
There is a number of stalls selling postcards in front of St. Nedelya Church. At first we were reluctant to buy as they were not the nicest postcards around, but after a few days of exploration we realised that the square is about the only place in Sofia to buy postcards. Most probably the situation will change soon, but if you wish to fulfil your postcards sending duty fast and without the hassle, just buy the postcards there, in front of St. Nedelya.
Church of St. George
The Church of St. George is considered the oldest building in Sofia. It is an early Christian red brick rotunda, built by the Romans in the 4th century. You will find the rotunda of St. George, famous for early medieval frescoes, in a courtyard behind the luxurious Sheraton Hotel Balkan.
Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Apart from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Ivan Vazov National Theatre is the most recognisable emblem of the city of Sofia. The neoclassical building was completed in 1906. There is a picturesque fountain in front of the theatre, perfect for photographers who want to experiment with water.
The theatre is named after Ivan Vazov, the greatest Bulgarian poet and writer. If you are into statues, you can find Mr. Ivan in a small garden next to the church of St. Sofia and visit the Monument to the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame on the way.
Boyana Church
Boyana Church is located at the southern outskirts of Sofia, at Vitosha Mountain. We used public transportation to get there. At least one change is required and buses do not run frequently, so it is a time consuming journey. If you are impatient, take a cab.
The exterior of Boyana Church is not particularly attractive. On the day of our visit it was even duller because it rained. But in the interior Boyana Church hides one of the most important medieval frescoes painted in 1259. Boyana Church is one of the best preserved examples of eastern-European medieval art entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will become aware of its importance before you even see it – the entrance fee costs 10 leva, a whopping charge for Bulgaria.
Do not expect however that for 10 leva you will be able to enjoy marvellous frescoes as long as you want to. The number of people allowed to be inside the church is limited, as well as the time. You have to get out in exactly 10 minutes. A simple calculation shows that Boyana Church is by far the most expensive sight to visit in Bulgaria costing 1 lev per minute.
Do not even think about taking photos or videos. As soon as you try to reach for your camera, you will be stopped by a guard.
Nevertheless, the frescoes in Boyana Church are truly amazing. It is well worth the visit.