Alexander Nevsky Crypt Museum

The Alexander Nevsky Crypt Museum is situated directly under the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. As the name of the museum indicates, the nature of the displays is not horrific. It is a museum of Orthodox icons.

When the foundations for the cathedral were being erected, it was determined that a mausoleum for the Bulgarian monarchs should also be created. Unfortunately, none of the monarchs were buried there, therefore the basement under the chapel was transformed into an Orthodox art division of the National Art Gallery in 1965.

The Alexander Nevsky Crypt museum is reputed to have Europe’s biggest collection of Orthodox icons. The art collection’s chronology spans from the 4th century, when the Roman Empire was Christianized, through the 19th century, when not only, but mostly, icons were shown.

In the crypt, there is a large stunning exhibition of icons from all around Bulgaria, which is perfectly displayed. Before it could be opened to the public, artisans toiled for 30 years to add 300 frescoes and ornamental pieces of marble, onyx, alabaster, and gold to the cathedral’s crypt.