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Explore Sofia’s main Orthodox churches on a guided tour - the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sophia Basilica, and the Russian Church of St. Nicholas - as well as their crypts and museums.

Highlights

• Admire the grandeur of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and its golden domes
• Explore the icon gallery in the crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Discover the history of the St. Sophia Basilica and its Roman-era museum
• Visit the Russian Church of St. Nicholas and the crypt of St. Seraphim
• Pay your respects at the tomb of Alexander I Battenberg, Bulgaria’s first king

Description

Unveil the hidden treasures of Sofia’s three principal Orthodox churches, each adorned with crypts and museums steeped in history. Pay homage at the tomb of the king-liberator, Alexander I Battenberg, the inaugural ruler of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. Delve into the history of Christian evolution, exploring the guiding tenets and distinctions between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, alongside the life of Bulgaria’s first monarch following the liberation from five centuries of Ottoman rule. Your guide will envelop you in the enchanting mystique of Orthodox Bulgarian heraldry. Discover captivating tales surrounding the construction of the grandest Orthodox church on the Balkan Peninsula, the Patriarchal Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky. Wander through the icon gallery nestled within the church’s crypt, where the artistry and significance of Bulgarian Orthodox iconography from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century await your admiration. Contrast the majestic temple-monument of Al. Nevsky, with its resplendent golden domes, against the ancient basilica of St. Sophia. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of the museum beneath the temple, where echoes of the Roman era of the ancient city of Serdica resonate. Next, journey to the third sacred site, the Russian church of St. Nicholas. Discover the unique characteristics of Russian Orthodoxy and visit the crypt of St. Seraphim, where devoted souls descend to share their wishes, inscribed upon paper, with the saint. As your enchanting walk draws to a close, pay your respects at the tomb of Alexander I Battenberg, the first monarch after liberation, and uncover the tales of his remarkable life and deeds from the twilight of the 19th century.

Includes

Guided tour of Sofia's three principal Orthodox churches Visit to the tomb of Alexander I Battenberg Exploration of the history of Christian evolution Visit to the Patriarchal Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky Access to the icon gallery in the church's crypt Visit to the ancient basilica of St. Sophia Visit to the Russian church of St. Nicholas Visit to the crypt of St. Seraphim

Important Information

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking Photography may be restricted in certain areas Respectful attire is required in religious sites

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund