Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the heart of Sofia

We're standing in one of the cathedrals in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria—Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the heart of the faith and a symbol of the nation. The cathedral was built to commemorate the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), the war that restored Bulgaria's independence after five centuries of Ottoman rule. Construction began in the late 19th century and was completed in the early 20th, when Bulgaria was just establishing its modern nation-state. The interior exudes a sense of tranquility and solemnity. • A large brass chandelier hangs like a heavenly crown, and the candlelight on its slender arms makes us feel as if we're in a suspended ritual. • The frescoes and domes depict saints, Byzantine emperors, and angels circling the center of the universe, symbolizing the belief that the whole world is sustained by God. • The marble throne, adorned with two eagles, symbolizes the power and protection of the righteous emperor. • The columns and arches are carved with intricate carvings. It's an example of Neo-Byzantine art combined with Bulgarian vernacular motifs. • We see images of Saints Constantine and Helena, symbols of the Constantinople Empire, whose devotion has been passed down to this place. • And finally, the small candle lit by a child represents the continuation of this devotion from generation to generation. This cathedral is not just a church; it's a book, a page written in marble, illuminated, and chanted. It tells of the rebirth of a nation after a long period of darkness. #sofia #bulgaria