The gratitude of the Bulgarian people towards the feat of the heroes who defended with their blood the Shipka Pass and the freedom of Bulgaria, crowns the sublime Monument of Freedom, which is towering proudly on the Shipka peak.

It was built with the voluntary contributions of the whole nation, according to a design by the architect Donkov and the sculptor Andreev. It was inaugurated on 26 August 1934.

The monument resembles a medieval Bulgarian fortress. It is 31.5 m high and 890 steps lead to it. A bronze lion, symbol of the Bulgarian sovereignty, proudly stands out above the central gate. The names of Shipka, Sheynovo and Stara Zagora are written on the other three sides – the battlefields reminding the feat of the Bulgarian volunteers.

At the ground floor, under a marble sarcophagus, placed on four lying lions, are kept the bones of heroes who perished in the defence of Shipka. The stone figures of a Russian soldier and a Bulgarian volunteer stand frozen on eternal guard in front of the sarcophagus.

The exposition set on the other seven floors of the monument, discloses the heroism of Russians and Bulgarians during the five-month defence of the pass. It comprises a rich collection of orders and medals, photographs and documentary matters, personal effects of participants in the battles, weapons. A copy of the Samara flag can be found there, too, which was the first combat flag of the Bulgarian volunteers. A panoramic view opens out from the last platform to the surrounding area, with the reconstructed batteries, trenches, marked positions, monuments and common graves, which have preserved the memory of the feat and self-sacrifice of the Shipka heroes.



Tourist information

The Shipka peak is 28 km distant from the town of Kazanlak, and 22 km from the town of Gabrovo. Comfortable bus transport is provided from both towns.

The access to the National Park-Museum “Shipka” is very much suitable for car tourists. The numerous cafes and restaurants in the area are also available to the visitors, as are two hotels.

The prices for a visit to the Monument of Freedom:

For adults – 1.50 Leva

For students and pensioners – 1.00 Lev

Guided tour:

in Bulgarian language – 5.00 Leva

in foreign languages – 10.00 Leva

The visitors can avail themselves also of a package of tourist services, including transportation from the parking lot to the Monument of Freedom, a visit and a guided tour.

The package price is:

for adults – 2.50 Leva

for students and pensioners – 2.00 Leva

Pedestrian excursions to the positions of the former battlefield are also organised.