Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker

"The Russian Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a striking architectural and spiritual landmark. Designed by the Russian architect Mihail Preobrazhenski, it was constructed between 1907 and 1914 to serve the Russian diplomatic mission in Bulgaria. Over time, it has become a focal point for the Russian Orthodox community, particularly for Russian émigrés who sought refuge in Bulgaria after the 1917 October Revolution. The church’s design reflects the style of 17th-century Russian Orthodox churches, with its five gilded onion-shaped cupolas topped by distinctive Russian eight-ended crosses. The central dome reaches a height of 19 meters. One notable feature is the set of eight bells, gifted by the last Russian Emperor, Nicholas II. Above the entrance on the southern side, a majolica icon of St. Alexander Nevsky can be found, adding to the church's beauty. Inside, the church’s frescoes were painted by Vasiliy Perminov, and the iconostasis is a unique ceramic structure with icons created by the famous Russian artist Vasiliy Vasnetsov. These icons are replicas of those found in the St. Vladimir Cathedral in Kiev. In the crypt below the church lies the tomb of Archbishop Serafim Sobolev, a revered figure for Orthodox Christians, known for his miracle-working abilities. His resting place has become a pilgrimage site for many seeking spiritual solace and blessings. Since 1953, the Russian Church has been under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchy, further cementing its importance as a spiritual and cultural symbol of Russian Orthodoxy in Bulgaria."

"It is also popular under the name Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. The church is a Russian Orthodox church built in the early 20th Century in a beautiful Russian Revival architectural style, unlike the other churches around it. After the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman rule by Russia, the church took the place of the mosque which stood there. The Russian embassy which back then was nearby ordered to build the Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. As the tradition of the diplomatic churches says, it should have the name of its patron- the emperor of Russia in those days. "

"The Russian Church of St. Nicholas is located in the center of Sofia and is one of the most notable buildings in Sofia. The church, dedicated to the Tsar of Russia Nicholas II, was built on the remains of a mosque destroyed after the victorious war of liberation of the Turks. It served to seal the good relations with Russia. 👣How to get there: reachable on foot from St.Sofia Church (350m- 3min). Metro stop: Su Sveti Kliment Ohridski, lines M1 and M4. 🎟️Ticket cost: free"