10 Can’t-Miss tourist churches and monasteries in Sofia (Bulgaria) : Your Ultimate Guide
Welcome to Sofia (Bulgaria) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a carefully curated list of 10 must-see tourist churches and monasteries that will inspire your sense of adventure. If you’re looking to experience Sofia (Bulgaria) like a local, we’ve got you covered with 10 hidden tourist churches and monasteries gems waiting to be discovered. And for those who crave excitement, we’ve compiled 10 thrilling tourist churches and monasteries that will get your heart racing.
Information about Sofia (Bulgaria)
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, and it is one of the most vibrant and active cities in the Balkan Peninsula, with a population of about 135 thousand people. This city is distinguished by its multiculturalism, as young people from all over the world migrate to it due to the availability of job opportunities and recreational attractions. This city was previously the old European capital, and therefore it has great historical importance, as many civilizations have passed and settled in it throughout history, and left behind many historical monuments and evidence, some of which still exist to this day, and among those monuments there are the Boyana Church, and the Church of St. Sofia, St. George Church, Banya Bashi Mosque, and many more. The city is distinguished by its mild climate, which allows it to be visited most of the months of the year. It is also characterized by its picturesque nature, where you will see waterfalls, rivers, forests and green spaces.
A list of the best Tourist churches and monasteries in Sofia
Don’t waste your time sifting through endless reviews and recommendations – let our team do the work for you. Our list of the best tourist churches and monasteries in Sofia (Bulgaria) is carefully crafted to include only the most highly-rated and well-regarded options based on visitor feedback.
1- Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarch’s Cathedral
Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarch’s Cathedral – The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky is located in the city of Sofia. It is an Orthodox church built in the neo-Byzantine style. Its external walls are white and green, while its interior design reflects the distinctive Byzantine style. Its area is about 3170 square meters. Which makes it among the 50 largest churches around the world, and it is considered one of the most important tourist attractions in the city.
Place address: Pl. “Sveti Aleksandar Nevski”, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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2- Russian Church “Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski”
Russian Church “Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski” – The Russian Church – Sveti Nikolai Mirlikski or the Church of St. Nicholas is an Orthodox church in the city of Sofia that was built in 1914 AD on the site of the Saray Mosque that was destroyed by Russia, as it was built as an official church for the Russian embassy, so the building style is inspired by Russian architecture, where you can see Decorations inspired by the churches of Moscow in the seventeenth century.
Place address: Bul. “Tsar Osvoboditel” 3, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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3- Dragalevski Monastery
Dragalevski Monastery – The Dragalevsky Monastery is located south of the city of Sofia, and it was established by the German Tsar Ivan Alexander, and it was dismantled after the Ottomans occupied the city, and it was rebuilt in the second half of the fifteenth century, and it includes a small church that is still open today, and it also contains On a collection of historical manuscripts and wall paintings associated with the Christian religion.
Place address: Драгалевски манастир, 1415 м. Орехите, Sofia, Bulgaria
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4- St. Sophia Church
St. Sophia Church – The Church of St. Sophia is classified as one of the oldest churches in Sofia, as its construction dates back to the fourth century AD. It was built in the basilica style, as it is considered one of the ancient buildings that testify to the old architecture style in Sofia, as it is characterized by its distinctive decorations in addition to the mosaics that cover its squares. Many tombs and wall paintings were also discovered inside.
Place address: Ul. “Paris” 2, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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5- Sveta Nedelya Church
Sveta Nedelya Church – The Church of Sveta Nedelya is an Orthodox church in the city of Sofia, and it is believed that it dates back to the Middle Ages, but the date of its construction is unclear, as it was destroyed and rebuilt several times, and the length of the church today is about 35.5 meters and its width is 19 meters, and new domes and a bell tower have been added to it The church is characterized by its distinctive ornate arcades, in addition to the stained glass that gives it a different character.
Place address: Pl. “Sveta Nedelya” 20, 1000 Old City Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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6- Church St. George Rotunda
Church St. George Rotunda – The Church of St. George is considered one of the oldest and most famous churches in the city of Sofia, as it was built in the fourth century as Roman baths, then later turned into a church, and is distinguished by its circular shape built using red bricks. Old paintings and drawings dating back to the second, third and fourteenth centuries were found. Tourists can wander inside the building and see the distinctive archaeological building and the paintings and sculptures inside.
Place address: Bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov 2, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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7- Sveta Petka
Sveta Petka – Sveta Petka Church is a small church in the city of Sofia that was built in the Middle Ages, and is located in the city center. It is said that it was built on the site of an old Roman religious building in the sixteenth century, and today it is considered one of the most important archaeological and historical monuments in it, as it contains a large collection of paintings The murals are from the fourteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth and nineteenth centuries.
Place address: 1000 Old City Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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8- Sofia Synagogue
Sofia Synagogue – The Sofia Synagogue is a synagogue in Sofia, and it is classified as the largest synagogue in southeastern Europe, and the third largest in Europe, as it was built to meet the needs of the Jewish community in Sofia in 1909 AD, and it is located in the city center near the central market square, and can accommodate approx. 1300 worshipers, and today the synagogue houses the Jewish Historical Museum and hosts exhibitions for the Jewish community.
Place address: Exarch Joseph Street 18, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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9- Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski
Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski – St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a huge Orthodox church, distinguished by its magnificent exterior architecture and beautiful interior design, as you find it full of distinctive religious paintings and drawings. This church was originally built as a memorial to the Russian soldiers, who numbered two hundred thousand soldiers, who died in the Russian-Turkish war of liberation (1877-1878). A wonderful landmark, do not miss the opportunity to see it up close when you visit Sofia.
Place address: Cathedral Saint Aleksandar Nevski, pl. “Sveti Aleksandar Nevski”, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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10- Boyana Church
Boyana Church – An old church located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain on the outskirts of Sofia, its age dates back to nearly 900 years. This church houses the National Museum, which focuses on regional history and art. Knowing that this church was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. Otherwise, we advise you to book in advance before visiting this church, so that a small number of people are allowed to enter it at once. A wonderful and ancient landmark, do not miss visiting it!
Place address: Boyana Church Museum, ul. “Boyansko ezero” 3, 1616 Bojana, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Conclusion
We hope our guide has inspired you to explore the wonders of Sofia (Bulgaria) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this amazing region. From stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage, Sofia (Bulgaria) has it all. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us and tag us on social media using #ExploreSofia (Bulgaria) . We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!