The Cathedral of Varna is among one of the most important symbols of the city. It was constructed after the Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule.

The foundation stone was laid by Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria in 1880. The design of the building is down to a Russian architect, called Ivan P. Maas.

The orginal  look of 1886

Today's look with the additional side domes and tower

The process of construction was led and supervised by the Bulgarian master builder Gentscho Kanev. The Cathedral was ready and consecrated in 1886. It has a three nave cross domed basilica and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

The highest point of this church is the bell tower, at 38 meters. However, this tower was added between 1941 and 1943 by the design of architect Stephan Venedict Popov to this new ehight and the side domes added to suit the new look.

The style used for the façade is Neo-byzantine, which is typical for the Orthodox churches, but there are also some Germanic elements. The interior of the building contains wonderful frescoes, created by professor Nicolai Rostovtsev. ( A superb 360 internal image of the Cathedral) 

Internal still photos and panoramas are kindly supplied by George Palov (Panomagic.eu)

This beautiful architectural monument is of national importance in Bulgaria.

Why not try the Ancient Varna Trail - Brochures are available from the Tourism Offices Opposite the Cathedral