Free Sofia Tour's Blog

If you’ve already visited the most popular Bulgarian communist monuments and are seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, this guide introduces lesser-known but equally compelling landmarks. These lesser-known communist monuments may not immediately appear in internet searches. Still, they offer unique insights into Bulgaria’s controversial communist past and artistic heritage for those willing to go the extra mile. Pantheon Mother Bulgaria Built in 1985 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Bulgaria’s Unification and the Bulgarian-Serbian War, this striking monument stands in the village of Gurgulyat, near Slivnitsa, 50 km west of Sofia. The massive red concrete pyramid features a central statue of a woman symbolizing Mother Bulgaria. Accessible mainly by car, this site is perfect for a half-day trip from the capital. Arch of Freedom Perched at 1,595 meters above sea level, 15 minutes east of the Beklemeto Pass’s highest point, this 35-meter-high concrete structure commemorates Bulgarian freedom fighters as well as Russian and Soviet soldiers. The arch features statues of soldiers alongside women in traditional Bulgarian attire. Although the passage […]

You might have heard that Bulgaria was once a socialist country, and a part of the Cold War Eastern Bloc. Part of the heritage from that period that foreigners seem to find most fascinating are the communist-era monuments. Here, you are in luck, since Bulgaria is one of the few countries where this cultural heritage is still well materialized by many typical artifacts from that period. The monumental architecture of the 1970’s and 1980’s is a result of a massive cultural policy of the state during the socialist period. Typically, monumental art from the last decades of the 20th century resulted in landmarks that illustrate historical events, using specific historical images. So, if you are a fan of brutalist art or are in search of unique Instagram opportunities, here’s a list of Bulgaria’s most legendary and impressive communist monuments: 1. The Memorial Home of the Bulgarian Communist Party (Buzludzha) There is an incredible amount of communist monuments still preserved in Bulgaria. However, this is by far the most famous one. […]