Sofia: Private Orthodox Art, Churches & Sacred Treasures

Discover the secrets of the three main Orthodox churches in Sofia with their inherent crypts and museums. Visit the tomb of the king-liberator and first ruler of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom, Alexander I Battenberg. Learn more about the history and development of the Christian religion, about the guiding principles and differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, and about the life of the first Bulgarian monarch after the liberation from the five-century Ottoman yoke.

The tour duration of 2 hours also includes the short walking between the sites.

Itinerary

1. 30 min

   Your tour guide will immerse you in the mysticism of Orthodox Bulgarian heraldry. Learn interesting facts about the construction of the largest Orthodox church on the Balkan Peninsula, the Patriarchal Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky. Visit the icon gallery in the crypt of the church and learn more about the style and meaning of Bulgarian Orthodox icon painting in the period from the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century.

2. 30 min

   Compare the temple-monument Al. Nevsky and its golden domes with the late antique basilica of Saint Sofia, which is just next to it. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the museum under the temple and learn more about the Roman period of the ancient city of Serdica and the acceptance of Christianity.

3. Saint Nikolas Russian Church · 20 min

   Next, visit the third main temple, the Russian church of Staint Nicholas. Learn about the distinctive features of Russian Orthodoxy and visit the crypt of Staint Seraphim, where locals descend to address their wishes, written on paper, to the saint.

4. 20 min

   At the end of the walk, visit the tomb of the first Bulgarian monarch after the liberation, Alexander I Battenberg, and learn more about his deeds and contribution to the Bulgarian people in the end of the 19th century.

What's included

• Visit and entrance tickets to: Al. Nevsky crypt with icon gallery, St. Sofia underground museum
• Guided tour
• Visit to: Al. Nevsky Cathedral, St. Sofia Basilica, St. Nicholas Church and Al. Batenberg mausoleum

What's not included

• Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Start time

10:00 · 11:00 · 12:00 · 13:00 · 14:00 · 15:00

End point

Languages

In-person guide: English

Travellers

• Child (5–11)
• Adult (12–85)

Options

• Sofia: Private Orthodox Art, Churches & Sacred Treasuresfrom €60

  Start time: 10:00 · 11:00 · 12:00 · 13:00 · 14:00 · 15:00

  In-person guide: English

Additional information

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.