Monument to the Tsar Liberator, War memorial monument near National Assembly Square, Bulgaria
The Monument to the Tsar Liberator is an equestrian statue in central Sofia made of granite and bronze. A black granite pedestal holds the bronze rider high above ground, with detailed relief panels covering all sides of the base.
The monument was built after the 1877-1878 war when Russian forces freed Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. This military campaign marked a turning point in Bulgarian history and led to independence.
The monument's name honors the Russian emperor who enabled liberation from Ottoman control. Around the base, bronze reliefs show portraits of military leaders and scenes from key moments of that era.
The monument sits near the National Palace and major streets in the city center, making it easy to reach on foot. The site is open and freely accessible, so visitors can walk by at any time and view the statue from different angles.
Soldiers from a neighboring country left a bronze wreath at the base to honor their fallen comrades from the same liberation campaign. This gesture shows how the monument held symbolic meaning across national borders.
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