The Monument of Freedom is a symbol of the Bulgarian people's gratitude for the feats of Russian warriors and Bulgarian volunteers. It was erected on Shipka peak, where in August 1877, during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878), the dramatic events of the Shipka Epopee unfolded. The idea for the construction of the monument was proposed at the Constituent National Assembly on April 13, 1879 by MPs Petko Karavelov, Petar Beron and Petko R. Slaveikov.
The monument of Shipka Peak - nationwide work. The Committee organizes a nationwide move to raise funds. Includes the entire distinguished Bulgarian people.
Construction began in August 1926 and continued for about five years. The solemn laying of the base stone takes place during the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the heroic defense of Shipka.
Shipka peak rises above the pass and is visible from far away. Construction is headed by a group of architects headed by Atanas Donkov.
The work was extremely difficult because of the difficult natural conditions, the scarce technique and the bad roads. The construction was completed in 1930. On August 26, 1934, the monument of Mount Saint Nicholas was solemnly opened by King Boris III .
Thousands of people gather at the opening of all parts of Bulgaria. Volunteer veterans specially invited for the holiday arrive here. Checks of troops and officers from military schools were carried out. The height of the Monument to Liberty is 31.50 meters. It is a huge stone block with the shape of a truncated pyramid and in its architectural layout reminds he fortress facilities from the time of the medieval Bulgarian state. It consists of a penthouse / tomb / and five more floors where a museum was designed to be built. Above the main entrance, on a special playground, is placed the figure of a lion 4 meters high and 8 meters long - a symbol of the great feat of the Shipka characters. The author of the sculpture is Kiril Shivarov.
At the top of the monument on the northern wall with metal letters is written "On the fighters for freedom" and on the other walls is written: "Shipka", "Sheinovo" and "Stara Zagora" - these names remind about the places of the battles in which the Bulgarian volunteers, along with the Russian soldiers, have entered a decisive battle with the enemy.
"Bulgarian, bowing forehead to this holy place, a cherished monument to the eternal friendship between Bulgarians and Russians, crowning our freedom with our blood! " And "That who falls in battle for freedom, he does not die!" - are the sacred inscriptions in the ossuary of the monument, cut into the sky as a continuation of the mountain peak.
In 1991, a permanent museum exhibition was set up on the floors of the monument, presenting important moments from the defense of the Shipka Pass.
The texts and annotations are in Bulgarian, Russian, French and English.
Today the museum has artistic, alley and park lighting, with a multimedia room.
This is a magnificent monument that all Bulgarians are proud of.
It is worth seeing.
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