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Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument: A Concrete Chronicle

A colossal monument near Shumen honoring the founders and early leaders of Bulgaria, with stunning views and historical insights.

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The Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument near Shumen commemorates the 1300th anniversary of Bulgaria's establishment in 681 AD. This imposing concrete complex features sculptures of early Bulgarian rulers and is the largest outdoor mosaic-triptych in Europe.

A brief summary to Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a processional concrete stairway from Shumen with 1300 steps.
  • Visit the information center to view the exposition titled “Monumental art in the last decades of the 20th c.”.
  • Check the opening hours, as they vary between April-October (08:30-19:00) and November-March (08:30-17:00).
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the center of Shumen, a taxi ride to the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument typically costs around 25 BGN. Taxis are readily available in Shumen, and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. Ensure the driver uses the meter, as fares are calculated based on distance. Base Fee: 2.00 BGN, Price per KM: 5.00 BGN.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transport to the monument, you can take a bus from Shumen's central bus station to a nearby point and then walk or take a taxi for the final leg. Bus fares within Shumen are generally inexpensive, costing around 1 BGN. From the bus stop, a short taxi ride to the monument should cost approximately 10 BGN.

  • Walking

    For those inclined to walk, a concrete stairway with 1300 steps leads from Shumen to the monument. The stairway begins beside the History Museum in the center of town. The walk is strenuous and takes approximately 1-2 hours, but offers scenic views of the surrounding area.

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Discover more about Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument

The Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, an imposing complex erected on Ilchov bair Hill in Shumen Plateau Nature Park, stands as a testament to Bulgaria's rich history. Conceived in 1977 and opened in 1981 to mark the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state, the monument commemorates the leaders and events pivotal to the country's formation between the 7th and 10th centuries. The monument's design, a collaboration of sculptors Krum Damyanov and Ivan Slavov, architects Georgi Gechev and Blagoy Atanasov, and artists Vladislav Paskalev and Stoyan Velev, features two groups of concrete blocks adorned with 21 sculptures. These figures represent key rulers like Khan Asparuh, who is considered the founder of Bulgaria, as well as Tervel, Krum, and Omurtag. The complex also incorporates Europe's largest outdoor mosaic-triptych, depicting the establishment, development, and ascent of the Bulgarian state. A replica of a Proto-Bulgarian yurt is on display, offering a glimpse into the life of early Bulgarians. Visitors can explore the monument's visitor information center, which houses an exhibition on monumental art from the late 20th century. The site also serves as a venue for wedding ceremonies. The monument is 140 m long and 70 m tall, and it is made of 2,400 tons of reinforcing steel and 50,000 cubic meters of concrete.

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