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Catholic Cathedral of Sofia - St. Joseph Parish

Sofia's Catholic Cathedral: A symbol of faith, resilience, and rebirth in the heart of the city, near the Square of Religious Tolerance.

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The Catholic Cathedral of Sofia, dedicated to St. Joseph, is a symbol of resilience and faith, located in the heart of Sofia near St. Nedelya Square. Rebuilt in 2006 after being destroyed in World War II, it stands as the largest Catholic cathedral in Bulgaria.

A brief summary to Catholic Cathedral of Sofia - St. Joseph Parish

Local tips

  • Check the mass schedule in advance, especially if you'd like to attend an English-speaking service.
  • Visit the small garden at the rear of the cathedral for a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the statue of Pope John XXIII, located in front of the cathedral.
  • Explore the Square of Religious Tolerance, where the cathedral is located, to see other significant religious sites.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Catholic Cathedral is located in the city center and is easily accessible by foot from many major landmarks. From St. Nedelya Square, walk northeast along Knyaz Boris I street. The cathedral will be on your right, a short walk from the square. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Catholic Cathedral is accessible via Sofia's public transportation system. Several bus and tram lines stop near St. Nedelya Square, a short walk from the cathedral. A single ticket for buses, trams, or trolleybuses costs 1.60 BGN. A day pass, allowing unlimited travel on all public transport, costs 4.00 BGN.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Sofia. A short taxi ride from a central location to the Catholic Cathedral should cost approximately 5-10 BGN, depending on traffic and distance. Ensure the meter is running or negotiate the price beforehand.

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Discover more about Catholic Cathedral of Sofia - St. Joseph Parish

The Catholic Cathedral of Sofia - St. Joseph Parish, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Catholic community in Bulgaria. Located in the heart of Sofia, near St. Nedelya Square, the cathedral's history is marked by destruction and rebirth. The original church was constructed in 1875, largely due to the efforts of Father Timothy of Biela, a Capuchin priest. As Sofia grew, it attracted many Western Europeans, and the Catholic parish expanded significantly. However, in March 1944, during the bombing of Sofia, the cathedral was completely destroyed, leaving only a statue of the Virgin Mary of Lourdes. For over five decades, the Catholic community gathered in a small hall near the site. In 2002, Pope John Paul II consecrated the foundation stone for a new cathedral during his visit to Bulgaria. The new building, designed by architects Constantin Peev and Stoyan Yanev, was consecrated in May 2006 by Cardinal Angelo Sodano. Today, the cathedral measures 23 meters long, 15 meters wide, and 19 meters high, with a bell tower reaching 33 meters. A 7-meter wooden Cross of Christ stands over the altar. The cathedral can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers. The cathedral is managed by the Order of the Capuchin Little Brothers, established by St. Francis of Assisi. Situated in the Square of Religious Tolerance, it neighbors other places of worship, including the Sofia Synagogue, St. Nedelya Orthodox Church, and Banya Bashi Mosque.

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