Memorial Tomb of Alexander I Battenberg was built for the first Head of State of modern Bulgaria after the Liberation. This is the mausoleum and final resting place of Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria (1857–1893). He reigns from 1879 until his abdication in 1886.
After his early death in Graz, Austria-Hungary in 1893, the National Assembly adopted a decision the Prince’s body to be buried in Bulgaria, as it was the dying wish of the Bulgarian ruler.
The construction of the building started in 1895 on a project by the Swiss architect Herman Mayer and ended two years later. Until its construction, the remains of the prince were kept in the church of St. George. The tomb is a single-domed, neoclassical and late baroque style. Shaped symmetrically with four arked niches. The dome of the building ends with a brass crown. The interior decoration is made by the artist Haralambi Tachev.
The body of Prince Alexander I Battenberg is buried under the tombstone floor, and a symbolic sarcophagus of polished marble is placed on top of it. The remains of the ruler were transferred to the tomb in 1898. It was open to visitors until 1946 when it was closed. All the belongings in the tomb were handed over to the Military History Museum and the crown was dismantled.
In 1991 the tomb was re-opened for visitors. It is proclaimed as a national historical and artistic value and is managed by the History Museum of Sofia.
Working time (May 1st - October 31st): Monday to Sunday 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Working time (November 1st - April 30th): Monday to Friday 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Address: Sofia, 81 Vassil Levski Blvd.
Contact: +359 898 20 39 54
