Defenders of Stara Zagora Memorial Complex

Rising over 50 feet tall, the memorial features stone figures of a Russian officer and six Bulgarian volunteer fighters positioned among concrete pillars.

The monument marks the location where 14,000 soldiers died during a battle against Ottoman forces on July 31, 1877, defending the city.

The memorial includes the representation of the Samara Flag, a military symbol that Lieutenant Colonel Pavel Kalitin protected at the cost of his life.

Located at 67 Rodopi Street in Stara Zagora, the monument remains open to visitors throughout the day and night without admission fees.

Six sculptures of Bulgarian Opalchentsi fighters stand alongside a Russian officer figure, representing the military units that fought together during the liberation war.

Location: Stara Zagora

Inception: 1977

Official opening: July 30, 1977

GPS coordinates: 42.43345,25.65401

Latest update: May 13, 2025 18:24