Information
Landmark: Church of St ParaskevaCity: Sofia
Country: Bulgaria
Continent: Europe
Church of St Paraskeva, Sofia, Bulgaria, Europe
Overview
In Sofia, Bulgaria, the Church of St. Paraskeva towers among the city’s largest and most striking Orthodox landmarks, its stone dome catching the afternoon light.The church, dedicated to St. Paraskeva of the Balkans-a beloved Orthodox saint famed for her piety and reported miracles-stands as both a place of deep spiritual devotion and a striking landmark, its stone walls cool even in the summer heat.Built between 1926 and 1930, the Church of St. Paraskeva rose during Bulgaria’s wave of national revival and modernization.Designed by the renowned architect Anton Tornyov, it weaves graceful Orthodox traditions with fresh, modern touches.Dedicated to St. Paraskeva of Epivates-St. Petka-whose relics are deeply revered, the church draws the eye with its striking Neo-Byzantine style, where domes and arches catch the afternoon light.The Church of St. Paraskeva in Sofia is a three-nave basilica with a cruciform plan, its vast central dome rising like a skyward crown and flanked by smaller domes that give it a commanding presence.Inside, walls glow with murals, frescoes, and icons in the traditional Bulgarian style, while the richly carved and painted iconostasis stands between nave and altar, bearing images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints.Outside, stone and brickwork frame arched windows and Byzantine-inspired details, and a row of arches and columns marks the grand entrance.A golden cross crowns the central dome, a symbol of Christian triumph.Dedicated to St. Paraskeva-revered in Bulgaria and the Balkans as a protector of women, families, and the poor-the church draws pilgrims each October 14 for her feast day.It remains a lively hub for Orthodox worship, hosting liturgies, weddings, and baptisms, while also serving as a meeting place for the local community.As one of Sofia’s largest Orthodox churches, it attracts tourists and architecture lovers alike, standing as both a sacred space and a proud piece of the city’s heritage-a testament to Bulgaria’s enduring faith and artistry.
