Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria, Brutalist monument on Shumen plateau, Bulgaria.
The Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria sits on the Shumen plateau with concrete pillars surrounding an enclosed courtyard at an elevation of around 450 meters. The entire structure reaches a height of approximately 18 meters from its base.
This memorial opened in 1981 to mark the 1300th anniversary of 681, when the First Bulgarian Empire was established. The monument represents a moment of national reflection on over a millennium of Bulgarian continuity and identity.
The structure displays sculptures by Krum Damyanov and Ivan Slavov portraying Bulgarian leaders throughout history. A massive mosaic panel tells the story of cultural shifts and achievements across the region over centuries.
The monument can be reached by a long concrete staircase from Shumen city or by vehicle via a road leading up the slope. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer better lighting and fewer crowds for exploring the site comfortably.
The structure can be spotted from many kilometers away and serves as a striking landmark across the regional landscape. This far-reaching visibility has made it a regional reference point known well beyond the immediate area.
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