Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, Varna

Varna Cathedral - 2

Catedral de la Dormición de la Madre de Dios, Varna, Bulgaria, 2016-05-27, DD 112-114 HDR

Catedral de la Dormición de la Madre de Dios, Varna, Bulgaria, 2016-05-27, DD 106-108 HDR

Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, Varna is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox Church in the city of Varna, Bulgaria. It serves as the seat of the Metropolitan bishop of Varna and Preslav and is one of the symbols of the city.

History

The construction of the cathedral began in 1880, shortly after the Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. The foundation stone was laid by Knyaz Alexander I of Battenberg on 22 August 1880. The cathedral was completed in 1886 and consecrated on 30 August 1886. The design of the cathedral was inspired by the Peterhof Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Architecture

The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral is built in the Neo-Byzantine style, characterized by its large central dome and two smaller domes. The interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes, iconostases, and stained glass windows. The cathedral's bell tower stands at 38 meters and offers a panoramic view of the city.

Significance

The cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and historical landmark. It is a popular tourist attraction and a venue for important religious and public events. The cathedral is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God, a major feast in the Eastern Orthodox Church commemorating the Assumption of Mary.

Related Pages

• Varna
• Eastern Orthodox Church
• Neo-Byzantine architecture
• Liberation of Bulgaria
• Knyaz Alexander I of Battenberg
• Peterhof Palace
• Assumption of Mary