Sofia from above and the cathedral Alexander Nevski

 

If there is a building which is an unmistakable symbol of my home town Sofia then this is, without any doubt, the majestic cathedral Alexander Nevski. This architecture masterpiece was built in the period 1904-1912 and is the most colourful and glorious way of the Bulgarians saying "thank you" to the Russians. The cathedral was created in honour to the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, as a result of which Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule.

 

But enough of history here... I would like to show you that this fantastic basilica cant be missed even when landing in Sofia. The first picture I have taken from my plane on the way to the Sofia airport. The building itself is decorated with a lot of gold (the 45m high dome and 53m high bell tower), marmor, onyx and plenty of mosaics of various saints. The temple has 12 bells with total weight of 23 tons, the heaviest weighing 12 tons and the lightest 10 kilogrammes. The colourful inside walls are almost completely covered with icons (unfortunately no photos are allowed). I have prepared a small selection of pictures I have made through the last 6-7 years. You can find pictures of the cathedral by night, in the snow or just bathing in the Sofia sun...