Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Sofia, Bulgaria
A large neo-Byzantine cathedral with gold domes in the centre of Sofia, with a hushed interior of murals and marble. Dress modestly, and combine it with a walk along the nearby yellow-paved streets.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral commemorates the Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78 and so helped to free Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. The foundation stone was laid on 3 March 1882, the main building went up between 1904 and 1912 to designs by Alexander Pomerantsev, and it was consecrated on 12 September 1924. The church holds 5,000 worshippers and measures 73.5 m in length and 52.2 m in width. The gilded main dome is 45 m high, the bell tower 53 m.
Inside you will find several kinds of marble from Italy, Brazilian onyx and alabaster. In the crypt, a museum shows Bulgarian icons. Allow about an hour for the church and crypt. As it is an active church, modest dress is advisable. The visit combines well with a walk around the city centre.
- Nearest town
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.6958, 23.3326
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Aire de services payanteMotorhome stopover7 km from Alexander Nevsky CathedralMotorhomesElectricityDrinking water
- Караван центърMotorhome stopover10 km from Alexander Nevsky CathedralMotorhomes
- Къмпинг ВранаCampsite10 km from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Marble Beach ClubCampsite12 km from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- ТанчовицаCampsite17 km from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Sunset Garden CampingCampsite21 km from Alexander Nevsky CathedralTentsCaravans
All campsites in Bulgaria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Alexander Nevsky Cathedral?
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is in Sofia, Bulgaria, at GPS 42.6958, 23.3326. It is about 46 km from Sapareva Banya.
Can you camp near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aire de services payante, about 7 km away; within 25 km there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral?
Places worth a stop nearby: Boyana Church (8 km), Seven Rila Lakes (55 km), Ledenika Cave (58 km) and Rila Monastery (63 km).
When is the best time to visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)