Orthodox Heraldry in Sofia

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.