Buzludzha monument, Communist monument at Hadzhi Dimitar Peak, Bulgaria
The Buzludzha Monument stands on Hadzhi Dimitar Peak at 1,432 metres, its summit lowered from 1,441 metres by TNT during construction. It combines a 70-metre double pylon bearing two irregular five-pointed stars, each 6.5 by 12 metres, with a circular hall 42 metres in diameter and 14.5 metres high. The hall's ceiling mosaic carries the hammer and sickle and the slogan "Proletarians of all countries, unite!".
The monument was built between 1974 and 1981 to commemorate the founding of the Bulgarian Social Democratic Workers Party at this location in 1891. After socialism's decline, it was abandoned and closed to the public.
The interior displayed large mosaics featuring Bulgarian and Soviet political leaders and scenes from the country's socialist movement. These artworks conveyed political ideals that were promoted during the monument's years of operation.
Reaching the site requires a personal vehicle or participation in a guided tour, as public transportation does not service the area. Access to the structure varies depending on the season and weather conditions.
The two 6.5 × 12 m pentagrams on the pylon were fitted with 150 kW of lighting, and propaganda claimed the southern star could be seen from the Aegean coast; in fact the Rhodopes and the Earth's curvature block that view. The star was later shot at by people hunting the rubies they believed it contained.
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