Holy Synod
The Quiet Heart of Bulgarian Orthodoxy
Just a breath away from the monumental domes of Alexander Nevsky, this quiet building hides in plain sight.
It doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t dominate the skyline.
But behind its harmonious lines and warm-colored walls lies the spiritual headquarters of an entire nation.
The Holy Synod is not a tourist attraction. It’s a living, breathing institution — the place where centuries of faith are carried into the present day.
Historical Context
- Built: Between 1906 and 1910
- Architect: Yordan Milanov, one of Bulgaria’s most prominent architects
- Purpose: Seat of the Holy Synod — the governing body of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church
- Style: Neo-Byzantine with Secessionist (Art Nouveau) influences
- Function: Home to the top clergy, where decisions affecting the Church across the country are made
Architecture & Features
- Symmetrical, elegant façade with alternating red and white horizontal stripes
- Influences from both Byzantine and Bulgarian Revival styles
- Decorative ceramic ornaments and religious iconography integrated subtly in the upper parts
- Modest, yet refined entrance — symbolic of the humility at the heart of Orthodoxy
Explorer’s Tip
Though not open to the public, the Holy Synod is best appreciated from the outside — especially during golden hour when the sunlight gives warmth to its walls.
Walk quietly, and you might hear the bells of nearby churches echoing through the trees.
This is a sacred corner of Sofia — more felt than seen.
Practical Information
- Location: South of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, next to the National Library
- Entry: Not open to the public
- Best Viewing Time: Late afternoon or sunset
- Nearby: National Library, Tsar Liberator Statue, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral