Russian Monument, War memorial in central Sofia, Bulgaria
The Russian Monument is a stone obelisk with a rectangular pyramid shape and features marble reliefs on its eastern and western sides. The structure is composed of layered stone elements that form a composed visual presence at a central intersection in Sofia.
The memorial was built in 1882 as the first monument in the newly liberated Principality of Bulgaria. It was erected to honor Russian soldiers who fought during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.
The monument displays the Russian coat of arms alongside the Order of St. George, with inscriptions honoring Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The reliefs and symbols visible on its surface tell the story of Russia's role in this region's independence.
The memorial stands at a central junction where Skobelev and Totleben boulevards meet and is easily reached on foot. Wheelchair access is limited due to its location amid traffic, so visitors with mobility challenges should exercise caution.
The site marks the exact location where Ottoman commander Osman Nuri Pasha retreated from Sofia to Pernik in December 1877. This historical detail connects the physical location to a decisive moment in the region's military history.
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