The Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky in Sofia is the fifth largest Christian church in Europe. Its foundations were laid on February 19, 1882. This marked the 4th anniversary of Bulgaria's liberation from Turkish Rule, which is celebrated on that date according to the old-style calendar. The church is built in a Neo-Byzantine style. More than 30 types of marble were used for its construction, and the entire interior is richly painted with murals.
The belfry with the cross is the highest point of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is reached by a narrow spiral staircase with 220 steps.
All bells are beaten manually. From 1982 until recently, Maria Zabova (in the photo) and her assistants had this responsibility. At least three persons are required to produce a graceful tune.
The largest of all 12 bells weighs 10 tonnes and the smallest weighs only 7 kg. Their total weight is 23 tonnes. When they all ring together, the sound can be heard from afar.
Today, already over 90 years old and after almost 4 decades, Maria Zabova has ceded this sacred obligation to others.
Hear how the bells of the spiritual emblem of the Bulgarian capital city, Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, sound.
Hristos Voskrese! Christ is risen!
Photos: Ani Petrova
Almost 40 years ago, Bulgarian Orthodox Church communities were established in Western and Central Europe in several cities - Budapest, Munich, Vienna, Stockholm, Malmö, Oslo and Paris. With Bulgaria's accession to the European Union and the expansion..
On February 4, Blagoevgrad will commemorate the 153rd anniversary of the birth of Bulgarian revolutionary Gotse Delchev with a wreath-laying ceremony. The ceremony will take place at 11am in front of the hero's monument on Macedonia Square. Voivode..
In 2024, the National History Museum sent expeditions to 22 archaeological sites. More than 1,400 artifacts were found during the season spanning the period from prehistoric times down to the Middle Ages. The most significant of these discoveries are..
Partly Cloudy
Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy