The Russian church of of St Nicholas, Sofia

Overview

This extraordinary beautiful building was designed by Russian architect Preobrajenski and built by Russian workers. Saint Nikolas Russian Church ( Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski ) translates as St Nicholas The Wonderworker, constructed between 1907 - 1914, initially served as a place of worship for members of the Russian Embassy. It was declared a cultural monument and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

A stunning piece of architecture, this is one of the most interesting churches of Sofia, small but incredibly beautiful. The pretty church lies in a beautiful garden surrounded by trees. The inside is small and modest. Its frescoes are less flamboyant and more subdued, the exterior is more dramatic than the interior. The five small domes of the church are gilded, and the bells are a donation from the Russian Emperor Nicholas II.

What sets this church apart is the basement where you write down wishes and deposit them in a box.