Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Храм-паметник "Свети Александър Невски"
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia
Religion
Affiliation	Bulgarian Orthodox
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Stauropegion
Leadership	Neophyte of Bulgaria
Year consecrated	1924
Location
Location	Sofia, Bulgaria
Architecture
Architect(s)	Alexander Pomerantsev
Architectural style	Neo-Byzantine
Groundbreaking	3 March 1882
Completed	1912
Specifications
Capacity	5000 (worshipers) 86,000³ (volume)
Length	73.5 m
Width	52.2 m
Interior area	3,170 m²
Height (max)	53.0 m (top cross bell tower)
Dome height (outer)	46.3 m (top dome)
Dome dia. (outer)	22 m
Dome dia. (inner)	18 m

The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a very famous Bulgarian Orthodox church in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. It was built in a special style called Neo-Byzantine style. This church is one of the biggest Christian churches in the world.

It is a major symbol of Sofia and a popular place for tourists to visit. The cathedral covers an area of 3,170 square meters and can hold up to 5,000 people inside. It is also the largest cathedral in the Balkans region.

Building the Cathedral: History and Design
Name Changes and Cultural Status
Special Relics and Museum
What's Around the Cathedral?
Images for kids
See also

Building the Cathedral: History and Design

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with the National Gallery for Foreign Art behind it.

The idea for the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral began in 1879. Construction officially started in 1882 when the first stone was laid. However, most of the building work happened between 1904 and 1912.

This grand cathedral was built to honor the Russian soldiers. These soldiers died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. This war helped Bulgaria gain its freedom from the Ottoman Empire. The cathedral is named after Saint Alexander Nevsky, who was a Russian prince.

Who Designed and Built It?

The main architect for the cathedral was Alexander Pomerantsev. He was helped by other architects like Alexander Smirnov and Alexander Yakovlev. An earlier design from 1884–1885 was completely changed by Pomerantsev.

The final design was ready in 1898. Many talented artists, architects, and workers helped build and decorate the church. They came from Bulgaria, Russia, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and other parts of Europe. Some famous names include Petko Momchilov, Yordan Milanov, Haralampi Tachev, and Ivan Mrkvička.

Materials and Features of the Cathedral

Inside the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Special parts for the cathedral came from all over Europe. The marble parts and lighting were made in Munich, Germany. Metal parts for the gates came from Berlin, and the gates themselves were made in Vienna, Austria. The beautiful mosaics were shipped from Venice, Italy.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral has a cross-shaped design with a large central dome. This dome is covered in gold and is about 45 meters (148 feet) high. With the cross on top, it reaches 46.3 meters (152 feet). The bell tower is even taller, reaching 53 meters (174 feet).

The church has 12 bells that weigh a total of 23 tons. The heaviest bell weighs 12 tons, and the lightest is 10 kilograms (22 pounds). Inside, the cathedral is decorated with colorful Italian marble, Brazilian onyx, and other fancy materials. The central dome has the Lord's Prayer written around it in thin gold letters.

Smaller Copies of the Cathedral

You can find smaller versions of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in other towns in Bulgaria. These include churches in Valchedram, Sandanski, Dolna Mitropoliya, Kyustendil, Kaspichan, Breznik, and the village of Dorkovo.

Name Changes and Cultural Status

The cathedral's name was changed for a short time between 1916 and 1920. During World War I, Bulgaria and Russia were on opposite sides. So, the church was called the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral. But after the war, its original name was brought back.

The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was officially opened on September 12, 1924. In 1955, it was recognized as an important cultural monument.

Special Relics and Museum

To the left of the main altar, there is a special case. It holds relics of Alexander Nevsky, which were given by the Russian Orthodox Church. These relics are believed to be a piece of his rib.

Inside the cathedral's crypt (an underground room), there is a museum. This museum displays many Bulgarian icons and is part of the National Art Gallery. The church says this museum has the largest collection of Orthodox icons in Europe.

What's Around the Cathedral?

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, with the parliament building behind it.

The cathedral is right next to the St. Sofia Church. The city of Sofia is actually named after this older church!

Other important places close by include the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. You can also find the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the National Gallery of Foreign Art, and the National Art Academy. The Bulgarian Parliament building is also nearby. There's a park dedicated to the writer Ivan Vazov with his monument and grave. The Sofia Opera and Ballet Theater is close, too. In a nearby park, you can find a small flea market where people sell handmade textiles, icons, and old items.