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Aleksandrovska Street
Aleksandrovska Street (ulitsa Aleksandrovska) is a wonderful pedestrianized street in Ruse that leads northeast of Liberation Square and runs for about four blocks. It’s lined with more nice buildings, outdoor restaurants and cafés, and some shops.
This street was easily my favorite in Ruse and I especially enjoyed the approach into the square.
Pantheon of National Revival Heroes
A short walk from the end of the street is the Pantheon of National Revival Heroes. This shrine has a large golden dome and was built in 1977. 39 Bulgarian freedom fighters from the 19th century are interred there, and there is an eternal flame under the dome.
The pantheon was built over an old cemetery, which caused a lot of controversy. It was “re-Christianized” in 2001 and a cross was added to the top of the dome. The pantheon is located in the Park of the Men of the Revival.
Opera House
To the southeast of Liberation Square is the Opera House. It’s the home of the Ruse State Opera, which was formed in 1949 and travels all over Europe.
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church
Next to the Opera House is the most historic church in Ruse, the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (Sveta Troitsa), which dates back to 1632. It was built in 1764 during Ottoman times and is the oldest building in the city. Because of Ottoman law, churches couldn’t be taller than mosques, so the church was built 4m below street level. Once you enter the church, steps will lead you down to the main level where there are some stunning icons.
