The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria, is located in the center of Sofia.
The construction of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral began in 1882 when the foundation stone was laid but it was in fact built between 1904 and 1912. Between 1916 and 1920 was the name of the cathedral changed to the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral but then the initial name of the cathedral was restored.
The interior of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is rich with mosaics, stained glass windows, marble and woodcarvings and frescoes that cover the walls and domes. Inside the cathedral crypt is a museum of Bulgarian icons as part of the National Art Gallery. According to church claims the museum contains the largest collection of Orthodox icons in Europe, however the museum contains the Bulgarian icon paintings from across the country which are masterpieces from the 9th to the 18th century.
