8A class of 88th School in Sofia

SAINT ALEXANDER NEVSKY CATHEDRAL
Several buildings and venues vie for Sofia’s emblem. The most frequent image is of the impressive St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral and Memorial Church. This cathedral was built in the early 20th century in memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers, who died in the Russo-Turkish War, 1877–1878. It was completed in 1912 after a design of the Russian architect Pomerantsev, approved by the First Great National Assembly. It is called Alexander Nevsky as he was the patron of Tsar Liberator – Alexander II.

ALEXANDER NEVSKY

The Russian leader Alexander Nevsky (1219-1263) was prince of Novgorod in Russia. An outstanding military leader and statesman, he earned his surname from a victory over the Swedes at the Neva River. Alexander died in 1263. His people greatly admired him for his efforts to relieve the pain from the Mongol yoke. He defended Russia and Orthodox Christianity in the west. After his death, Alexander came to be venerated as one of the most popular rulers in Russian history. He was proclaimed a savior of Russia, and a saint.

THE CHURCH SIZE AND MATERIALS

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral rises on an area of 3170 sq. m. The altar and the patriarch’s throne are cut of multi-coloured Italian marble; 13 Bulgarian and 32 Russian and Czech masters made the wood-carvings, cut the stone bas-reliefs and ornaments, painted the fresoes and the icons. The cathedral rises to a height of 50 metres; the central dome is gold-plated with a massive gold cross on top.

SAINT ALEXANDER NEVSKY CATHEDRAL CRYPT

The Crypt of the cathedral houses a collection of masterpieces of Bulgarian icon painting. Visitors can enjoy the exhibited more than 200 icons and frescos. A souvenir shop sells copies of some of the famous icons, post cards, albums and folders.

THE MONUMENT TO THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
The Monument to the Unknown Soldier has eternal burning flame. The Turf is from Stara Zagora and Shipka, sites of two of the most important battles of the Russian-Turkish War of Liberation. There is a sculpture of a lion (a national symbol of Bulgaria). The stone inscription is of a stanza (part of The New Graveyard Above Slivnitsa poem) by the national writer Ivan Vazov:

‘O BULGARIA, FOR YOU THEY DIED’

SAINT SOFIA CHURCH

The early Byzantine Church of St Sophia was built in the 6th century on the place of an ancient Roman theatre and several earlier churches. During the Second Bulgarian Empire the structure served as the cathedral of the city but was later converted to a mosque by the Ottoman invaders. It is the second oldest building in Sofia.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF THE FOREIGN ART
The national Gallery of Foreign Art is in the eastern part of Alexander Nevsky Square. It houses the building of the St. St. Cyril and Methodius Foundation, The National Gallery of Foreign Arts contains unique exhibits of art from Africa, Asia and Europe, Spanish baroque paintings, and pictures by the modern painter Nikolai Roerich.

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY and THE MONUMENT TO THE TSAR LIBERATOR
The National Assembly was designed in Neo-Renaissance style. It was built at the end of the 19th century. A motto inscribed on its main facade reads ‘Union makes Strength’ The building is depicted on the reverse of the Bulgarian 20 leva banknote. 240 MPs work here.

Opposite the National Assembly building is the equestrian monument to the King Liberator of Bulgaria. It was erected in honour to the Russian Emperor Alexander II who liberated Bulgaria of Ottoman Rule during the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-78.

IVAN VAZOV

Every culture and every literature has its own big names. For us, it`s the name of Mincho Vazov`s son, the litte Ivan from Sopot. He became the first outstanding figure in the Bulgarian Literature. Ivan Vazov is called "The Patriarch of the Bulgarian Literature", "People`s poet" and "Grandfather Vazov". With these names people express their respect and appreciation for his work.

He wrote for 50 years, and died at the age of 71. During that time, he produced 22 volumes of books. Vazov is connected with the beginning of the Bulgarian Literature. He created pieces in all literary genres. He wrote novels, novelettes, short stories and poems.

He is the author of the first Bulgarian novel “Under the Yoke”. He also created drama works. Each Bulgarian knows his poems “I’m Bulgarian”, and “Where is Bulgaria”, his short stories "One Bulgarian woman" and "Grandfather Yotso watches". His "Golemanov" and "Sluzhbogontsi" are still performed at theaters, with huge audiences.

THE GRAVE OF IVAN VAZOV
Near Saint Sofia Church is the grave of Ivan Vazov born in 1850 and died in 1921. He is often called the patriarch of Bulgarian literature. A monument to the poet rises in the small garden on Alexander Nevsky Square. After his death a big stone was brought from Vitosha Mountain to commemorate Vazov’s admiration to the nature.

Test: History of The USA/Hemingway/The trip to the American Center

I. Write 1-2 sentences about each of the topic important for the History of the USA:
1. Native Americans
2. New World Explorers
3. 13 Colonies
4. Revolutionary War, Creating a New Government
5. Western Expansion
6. First Industrial Revolution
7. American Civil War
8. The Railroads, Industrialization
9. Gilded Age
10. Roaring 20's, Lost generation (in literature)
11. Great Depression
12. World War I, World War II
13. Cold War
14. The modern age.

II. Write at least 5 facts about Hemingway: his childhood, his later life, wars he took part in and wrote about, countries he lived in, his famous books.

III. Write (50 words) about the day spent at the American Center: What did you learn? Did you like it or not? Why? (Why not?) Would you like to have more lessons like this?