Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church (Sofia)

Description

The Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church, also known as the Church of the Seven Saints, is a prominent Bulgarian Orthodox church located in the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria. Originally constructed as an Ottoman mosque in the 16th century, it was later converted into a Christian church in the early 20th century, symbolizing Bulgaria's cultural and religious shift following its liberation from Ottoman rule. The church is dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius, along with their five disciples—Kliment, Naum, Gorazd, Sava, and Angelarius—collectively revered as the Sedmochislenitsi (Seven Saints) in Orthodox tradition for their role in spreading Christianity and developing the Slavic alphabet. This unique history of transformation makes it a fascinating architectural and historical landmark, blending Islamic and Orthodox elements while reflecting Sofia's layered past, from Roman times to the present.

 

History

The origins of the site date back to antiquity. Archaeological excavations in 1901 revealed that the church stands on the foundations of an Early Christian temple from the 4th-5th century, which itself was built over a pagan temple dedicated to Asclepius from the Roman era of Serdica (ancient Sofia). The area also included a former nunnery associated with the Rila Monastery.
In the Ottoman period, the structure was erected as a mosque around 1547 (though some sources cite 1528) under the commission of Sofu Mehmed Pasha, a high-ranking Ottoman official who served as governor-general of Rumelia and later as a vizier. Designed by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, it was known as the Black Mosque (Kara Camii in Turkish or Cherna Djamiya in Bulgarian) due to the dark granite used in its minaret, which unfortunately collapsed during a 19th-century earthquake. It was alternatively called the İmaret Mosque because of an adjacent kitchen (imaret) that served the poor, with ruins of this facility discovered in 1912. Surrounding Ottoman buildings included a madrasah (Islamic school), which later became a prison, a caravanserai for travelers, and a hammam (bathhouse).
Following Bulgaria's liberation in 1878 during the Russo-Turkish War, the mosque was abandoned by the departing Ottoman population and repurposed by the new Bulgarian authorities as a military warehouse and prison. The idea to convert it into a Christian church emerged in 1901, proposed by Russian architect Alexander Pomerantsev. Bulgarian architects Yordan Milanov and Petko Momchilov led the redesign, incorporating elements inspired by Romanticism and traditional Bulgarian church architecture. Construction began on May 27, 1901, and the structural work was completed by May 6, 1902, with the church officially inaugurated on July 27, 1903. Key benefactors included Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria, who was honored as the primary donor in 1905, and statesman Ivan Evstratiev Geshov. Notably, Bulgarian politician Petko Karavelov, a major contributor to the project, was buried on the church grounds in January 1903 alongside his wife. The interior decoration, however, took much longer and was only fully completed by 1996.

 

Architecture

The church's architecture is a hybrid of Ottoman and Bulgarian Orthodox styles, reflecting its mosque origins and subsequent conversion. The original mosque was a square structure, approximately 25 meters long, topped by a large lead-covered dome supported by a central hall. During the 1901-1903 renovation, the core elements—like the central hall and dome—were preserved, but significant additions were made to adapt it for Orthodox worship. These include a prominent dome (designed by Milanov and Momchilov), a narthex (entrance hall), oval bays, an altar section, and a bell tower in a style evoking traditional Bulgarian churches with Romantic influences.
Externally, the building features a western façade with an electric clock installed in the 1930s by local watchmaker Georgi Hadzhinikolov, adding a touch of early 20th-century modernity. The surrounding area includes a small garden and square, developed during the conversion, which occupies the former site of the madrasah and now sits adjacent to the Count Ignatiev School. The overall design harmonizes the mosque's minimalist Ottoman aesthetics with Orthodox elaborations, creating a visually striking landmark that stands out in Sofia's urban landscape.

 

Interior

The interior of Sveti Sedmochislenitsi is richly adorned, emphasizing Orthodox iconography and artistry. The decoration process, spanning decades, involved young Bulgarian artists who painted the icons, completing the work by 1996. Visitors often note the intricate paintings and gold coverings that enhance the spiritual ambiance, with detailed frescoes and icons depicting saints and biblical scenes. A standout feature is the altar area, fronted by large candlesticks cast in 1903 from melted-down obsolete police badges from pre-unification Bulgaria (Eastern Rumelia and the Principality of Bulgaria), symbolizing national unity post-1885. The space under the dome creates a sense of grandeur, with the preserved Ottoman structural elements providing a high, open atmosphere ideal for worship and reflection.

 

Religious and Cultural Significance

Religiously, the church honors the Seven Saints, pivotal figures in Orthodox Christianity who evangelized the Slavs and created the Glagolitic alphabet, precursors to Cyrillic. It serves as an active place of worship within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, hosting services and attracting pilgrims. Culturally, it represents Bulgaria's reclamation of its identity after centuries of Ottoman domination, embodying themes of resilience and national revival. As one of Sofia's most beautiful churches, it is often highlighted in lists of top religious sites, underscoring its role in preserving historical continuity from Roman paganism through Byzantine Christianity to Ottoman Islam and back to Orthodoxy. No major legends are directly associated, but its ties to figures like Mimar Sinan, Tsar Ferdinand, and Petko Karavelov add layers of historical intrigue.

 

Location and Visitor Information

Situated at coordinates 42°41′23″N 23°19′40″E in central Sofia, the church is easily accessible near major boulevards and public transport, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city. It is surrounded by a quaint garden, offering a peaceful oasis amid urban bustle. As an active church, it is generally open to visitors during daylight hours, though photography may be restricted inside during services. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Guided tours of Sofia often include it, and reviews praise its serene atmosphere and architectural fusion. For the latest details, checking official tourism sites or apps is recommended, as hours can vary with religious holidays.