Sveta Nedelya Church stands on Sveta Nedelya Square in the centre of Sofia, Bulgaria, and is one of the city's best-known Orthodox churches. A place of worship has stood on the site since the Middle Ages, and the church has been known by several names, including Sveti Kral after it received the relics of the Serbian king Stefan Uroš II Milutin in the 16th century. The medieval building was replaced in the 19th century by a larger church, and it was severely damaged in the Sofia cathedral bombing of 16 April 1925, when a bomb planted by communist militants exploded during the funeral of General Konstantin Georgiev. More than 100 people were killed and hundreds injured, among the worst terrorist attacks in Europe at that time. The church was rebuilt between 1927 and 1933 in a Neo-Byzantine style by the architects Ivan Vasilev, Ivan Mihaylov and Dimitar Tsolov, with a large central dome and a tall bell tower. Inside, the decoration includes murals and icons painted in the 1930s, an ornate iconostasis, and the reliquary with the remains of King Milutin, which are venerated by worshippers. The church is today a parish and patriarchal church, with regular services in the morning and evening. It occupies the centre of a pedestrian area surrounded by the Presidency, the TSUM department store and the Serdica ruins, so it is easy to include in any walk of the historic centre. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and keep quiet during services.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, roughly 07:00-19:00 |
| Address | pl. Sveta Nedelya 1, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria |
Why it matters
The church was the target of the deadliest terrorist attack in Bulgarian history, the bombing of 16 April 1925, which killed well over 100 people. It stands on a site of worship that goes back to the Middle Ages and anchors the central square of the capital.
Location
pl. Sveta Nedelya 1, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
42.6969, 23.3212 View on map
Highlights
- Learn about the 1925 bombing and the church's rebuilding
- See the Neo-Byzantine dome and tall bell tower on the main square
- View the reliquary of King Stefan Milutin inside the church
- Admire the 1930s murals and iconostasis
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly and avoid entering during services unless attending quietly.
- Light a candle at the entrance and leave a small donation if desired.
- Combine with the Serdica ruins and the Rotunda, both within a few minutes' walk.
- Early mornings are the quietest time for a visit.
When to visit
Early morning is quietest, and the square is pleasant in the evening when the church is lit.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in 1925?
A bomb exploded during a funeral service on 16 April 1925, killing more than 100 people and destroying the church's roof.
How long does a visit take?
Around 15 to 20 minutes covers the interior.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.