Tomb of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg
Explore the Tomb of Prince Alexander I Battenberg in Sofia, a monument to Bulgaria's first prince and a landmark of national significance.
The Tomb of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg is a mausoleum dedicated to the first Prince of Bulgaria following the country's liberation. Alexander I Battenberg ruled from 1879 until his abdication in 1886. After his death in Graz, Austria-Hungary, in 1893, the National Assembly decided to honor his wish to be buried in Bulgaria. The tomb's construction began in 1895 and was completed in 1897, designed by Swiss architect Hermann Mayer. Before its completion, the Prince's remains were kept in the St. George Rotunda. The mausoleum features a single dome and is designed in a Neoclassical style with late Baroque elements. The interior decoration was created by artist Haralampi Tachev. Prince Alexander I's body is buried beneath the floor, marked by a symbolic sarcophagus of polished marble. The tomb was open to the public until 1946 when it was closed by the communist government. Its artifacts were transferred to the National Museum of Military History, and the crown was removed. In 1991, the tomb was reopened and declared a national historical and artistic treasure. Today, it is managed by the Sofia History Museum and is open for visits from Tuesday to Saturday.
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
- Check the opening hours with the Sofia History Museum before visiting.
- Take a moment to explore the small park surrounding the tomb.
A brief summary to Гробница на княз Александър I Батенберг
- ul. Hadzhi Dimitar 17, Sofia, Sofia Center, 1000, BG
Getting There
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Walking
From Sofia University, walk along Vasil Levski Boulevard towards the city center. The Tomb of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg will be on your right, set back slightly from the street in a small park. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
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Public Transport
Take bus lines 9, 84, or 94 or trolleybus lines 1, 2, 5, or 8 to the 'Sofia University' stop on Vasil Levski Boulevard. The Tomb of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg is a short walk from the bus stop. A single ticket for public transport costs 1.60 BGN.
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Taxi
From the city center, a taxi ride to the Tomb of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Sofia start with an initial charge of 2.47 BGN during the day and 2.78 BGN at night, plus 1.22 BGN/km during the day and 1.41 BGN/km at night.
