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- Destinations
- Europe
- Bulgaria
- Sofia
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
One of the finest examples of 20th-century architecture in Sofia
and one of the symbols of the city, the magnificent Alexander
Nevsky Cathedral was built between 1882 and 1912 to honour the
Russian soldiers who died fighting to liberate Bulgaria from
Turkish rule in the war of 1878 under Tsar Alexander II. The famous
religious monument is situated on the tree-lined square of the same
name, which also contains the Monument of the Unknown Soldier with
its eternal flame. The impressive five-nave basilica houses an
interior just as splendid, with mosaics, stained glass windows,
marble and woodcarvings as well as frescoes that cover the walls
and domes. The underground crypt houses the Icon Museum featuring
icon paintings from across the country that represents masterpieces
ranging from the 9th to the 18th century.
Information & Facts
Address
1 St Alexander Nevsky Square
Admission
Language
Bulgarian is the official language, which uses the
Cyrillic alphabet, but English, German and French is spoken in
resorts, hotels and restaurants.
Money
The official currency is the Lev (BGN), which is divided into
100 stotinki. The Lev is tied to the Euro at a fixed rate of EUR1 =
1.955 lev. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations. If you enter
Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of
8, 000 leva or more, you must declare it to customs officials.
Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels or at one of the
numerous bureaux de change, however due to a common practice of
misleading rates of exchange it is better to go to banks or hotels
to change money. A receipt called a
bordereauxis issued when exchanging currency, indicating
the amount that will be given, and it must be kept until departure.
Not all banks accept travellers cheques and those that do usually
charge a 5% commission. Major international credit cards are
increasingly becoming accepted by tourist hotels, upmarket shops
and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agents, but Bulgaria
is still largely a cash economy. There are ATMs in the main cities
and at Black Sea resorts.
Opening Times
Open daily, from 7am to 5.30pm. The Museum is open
from 10am to 6pm, and closed on Tuesdays
Time
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to
last Sunday in October).