Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church & Crypt

Lonely Planet review

One of the symbols not just of Sofia but of Bulgaria itself, the massive, awe-inspiring Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church was built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's independence during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78).

Designed by the esteemed Russian architect AN Pomerantsev, the church was built in the neo-Byzantine style favoured in Russia at the time and adorned with mosaics and gold-laden domes. The cavernous, incense-scented interior is decorated with naturalistic murals, pendulous chandeliers and elaborate onyx and alabaster thrones.

A door to the left of the main entrance leads to the Aleksander Nevski Crypt (Museum of Icons). It displays Bulgaria's biggest and best collection of religious icons from the last millennium, brought here from churches all over the country.