With very low temperature and the sun out shining I am out for some sight-seeing in the city centre today, and the first attraction I come to is the imposing and noble building of the Cathedral .
 

 

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral -a primary tourist attraction

It is a structure of the early 20^th century in memory of 200,000 Russian, Ukrainian, Belorussian and Bulgarian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War. (1877-1878).

 
The gold-plated dome is 45m high, with the bell tower it reaches 50.52m.

 
It is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world and one of Sofia's symbols, built in Neo-Byzantine style, a cross-domed basilica featuring an emphasized central dome.

It is said that the ringing of the bells can be heard from a radius of 15 km.


 
Interior:

Impressive with magnificent marble decorations and mural paintings. 

 
 
The marble iconostasis, the royal and patriarchal thrones and the pulpit are of greatest interest for the visitors of the temple . Another valuable item is the mosaic mural of Tsar Ferdinand (ruled 1887 – 1918) and Queen Eleanor. 
 

 
There is a crypt at the basement with masterpiece iconic paintings, but I am sure I will be back either in spring or summer again, so I kept this visit for the coming trip.  

 
As a monument, the temple has no parish and doesn’t offer other services besides the daily, Sunday and Festival worshipping, such as baptism, weddings and funerals, with very few exceptions. 


Dobri Dobrev the beggar of
the Cathedral: