Historic Landmark
Monument of Liberty- Shipka

Monument of Liberty (known as the Monument of Shipka) is a monumental sculpture of Shipka. Erected in connection with the dramatic military events of the Russo-Turkish War. The monument is part of a national park-museum Shipka.

The monument was erected to commemorate the heroism of the fallen for the freedom of Bulgaria defended site at Shipka battle around which are decisive battles took place in the summer of 1877, and which ultimately decided the liberation of Bulgaria and its future. Bulgarian volunteer forces and their Russian allies are alienated 27-thousand regular Turkish army, as in this figure does include Turks hordes. Bulgarian-Russian detachment under the command of Gen. Stoletov has been with 5500 men and 27 guns against the Turks under the command of Suleiman Pasha. If you climb a 894 foot-steps, you will find that the monument is a large tower in the shape of a truncated pyramid with a height of 31.5 meters above the entrance of the tower stands a huge bronze lion with a length of 8 m and 4 m, while the other sides of the tower are inscribed sites of major battles - Shipka, Stara Zagora, Sheinovo. Female figure represents the victory over the Turkish troops. On the ground floor of the monument stands a large marble sarcophagus, which kept some of the bones of Russian soldiers and Bulgarian volunteers. Above it there are 7 floors of which are located some copies of Bulgarian military flags and other relics. On top of the tower is a splendid panorama of the summit area and. To the monument leads an asphalt road for the lazier.

Monument of Shipka cost Bulgaria then - 3 million and 400 thousand. Army actively participated in its construction. Bronze Lion was made in Sofia Military arsenal. Shipka is transferred to the 28 individual parts and there is assembled on site. The goal is to be opening in 1930. Defense Ministry wanted all other living volunteers from the Russo-Turkish war. Sew their official uniforms to wear on parade. But the event was postponed for four years. And because they were very poor and probably very hard living in those years, decided to wear them. When it comes time to open the memorial in 1934, having again to be tailored to look venerable.

101 salute give rise to celebrations. Literally the tip of people tanning. Planes circle and dropped leaflets with greetings for the holiday. King Boris III give an impassioned speech that the next day all the newspapers published. For the first time as seriously as a powerful Bulgarian army shows itself then, demonstrating the resurgent power. There is all the higher military leadership, headed by Boris, with Defence Minister in the Prime Minister. National Museum of Military History keeps three iconic objects from the exciting event. Golden crown, served by King Boris III, scissors with which he cut the tape and the symbolic key of the monument.

• Mountain Peak