Magnificent monumental sculpture
Historic sight
Amazing architecture
The symbol of the Russo-Turkish war battles
National Park Museum Shipka is located on top of Shipka Peak (1,326 m) in the Balkan Mountains, 28 km from the town of Kazanlak and 22 km from the town of Gabrovo. The park comprises 26 monuments, the reconstructed battle positions, artillery batteries and dugouts of the defenders of Shipka pass during the Russo-Turkish War from 1877-78. The Liberty Memorial is among the largest monuments in the park. Its outline resembles a medieval Bulgarian fortress and can be seen from dozens of kilometers. It was built with donations from the people from all over Bulgaria and was inaugurated on 26 August 1934. It is 31.5 m tall and 890 steps lead up to it. The powerful bronze lion – the symbol of the Bulgarian state – guards the entrance to the Memorial. The other three walls of the monument bear the names Shipka, Sheinovo and Stara Zagora – the battlefields in defense of the Pass. On the ground floor under a marble sarcophagus, rest the remains of Shipka’s defenders. The sarcophagus stands on four prone stone lions and above it as honor guards stand the statues of a Bulgarian Opalchenets (a member of the voluntary Bulgarian army units) and a Russian soldier. The other seven floors of the museum display personal effects of the soldiers and volunteers, medals, photos, weapons and documents related to the battles fought over Shipka. One of the exhibits is a copy of the Samara Flag – the first battle flag of the Bulgarian Opalchentsi. The highest platform of the Liberty Memorial affords a beautiful panoramic view of the surroundings.
There are information materials and souvenirs available for sale at the Park-Museum. There are also hiking and motor tours to the monuments within the park.
The Russo-Turkish War from 1877-1878 was between the Ottoman Empire and Russia. Serbia, Montenegro and Romania, the Bulgarian Opalchentsi and the Finnish Guard Regiment also took part in the war on the side of Russia. The war ended with a victory for Russia and the signature of the Treaty of San Stefano, subsequently superseded by the Treaty of Berlin. The Russo-Turkish War is known as the War of Liberation as it brought complete independence to Serbia, Romania and Montenegro, while a part of Bulgaria was declared a vassal principality. The rest of Bulgaria remained within the boundaries of the Empire as the autonomous province of Eastern Rumelia. In the autumn of 1885, Eastern Rumelia united with the Principality of Bulgaria.
The gratitude of the Bulgarian people to the feat of the heroes who defended the Shipka Pass and the freedom of Bulgaria with their blood crowns the majestic Monument of Freedom, which proudly rises on the Shipka peak. The feeling above is majestic and should not be missed!
More to see nearby
Shipka Monastery
The temple is designated as an architectural monument of culture. The monastery church “Nativity” is an architectural masterpiece.
Gradishte Fortress
It is believed that this was a typical Thracian settlement, during excavations, the remains of 45 rooms were found. Many objects from the everyday life of the people who are kept in the historical museum in Gabrovo have been found.
The Griffins tomb
A Thracian tomb, which is located in the Valley of the Thracian Kings, near the town of Shipka. Griffons is the westernmost of the three mounds, next to the tomb of Helvetia.
Combine your Shipka monument visit with a few more sights
Turn it into a memorable trip!
ETARA MUSEUM
KAZANLUK TOMB
MUSEUM OF THE ROSE
Location
Get a quote
Why us?
Private Groups & Tailor-made Tours
Attention to detail
Perfect planning and organization
We put in an extra effort to help you feel the spirit of Bulgaria!
Enjoy more of Bulgaria's sights
CONFITO offers you a tailor-made trip to all the sights you are interested in!
We guarantee you a memorable stay in Bulgaria!
+359886-701-858
info@confi.to