Defenders of Stara Zagora Memorial Complex

The Defenders of Stara Zagora Memorial Complex is a concrete structure rising more than 50 feet tall, featuring stone figures of soldiers. A Russian officer stands alongside six Bulgarian fighters positioned among vertical concrete pillars.

The memorial marks a battle on July 31, 1877, when approximately 14,000 soldiers died defending the city against Ottoman forces. This fighting was a crucial moment in the war for independence from Ottoman rule.

The memorial displays the Samara Flag, a military symbol that Lieutenant Colonel Pavel Kalitin protected at the cost of his life. This representation honors the sacrifice and bravery shown during the conflict.

The memorial is located at 67 Rodopi Street and remains accessible to visitors free of charge at any time of day or night. You can walk around the site whenever you wish without worrying about admission fees or restricted hours.

Six sculptures of Bulgarian Opalchentsi fighters stand alongside the Russian officer figure, representing how two different armies fought together. This combination shows the cooperation between volunteer units from different nations during this moment in history.

Location: Stara Zagora

Inception: 1977

Official opening: July 30, 1977

GPS coordinates: 42.43345,25.65401

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55