The Buzludzha Monument – How To Get There and MORE

If you’re like me and have a fascination with unusual WW2 memorials and deserted communist monuments, then Bulgaria is home to one of the most remarkable communist monuments I’ve encountered: the Buzludzha Monument. Situated atop Buzludzha peak, 1,432 meters above sea level, this monument is a striking example of socialist-era design, crafted by architect Georgi Stoilov. Its flying saucer-like appearance is especially eye-catching against the rugged mountain scenery.

The structure features a large, circular dome about 60 meters in diameter, predominantly constructed from concrete. The design includes a cylindrical base, creating an illusion that the saucer-shaped top is floating. Nearby, there’s a towering 70-meter-high tower, capped with a red star, reminiscent of the emblem used by the Soviet Red Army.

Although now abandoned and showing signs of wear, the Buzludzha Monument continues to be a haunting and dystopian landmark. It’s a sight not to be missed when exploring Bulgaria.

Why Was The Buzludzha Monument Built?

Why was this UFO-like structure, the Buzludzha Monument, constructed in the first place? The monument’s creation stems from a multitude of important factors, intricately linked to Bulgaria’s historical context and the prevailing ideology of the era:

Commemoration of the Bulgarian Socialist Movement: The primary purpose of the monument was to commemorate an important event in Bulgarian socialist history. In 1891, Dimitar Blagoev, a key figure in Bulgarian socialism, gathered a group of socialists on the Buzludzha peak to form an organized socialist movement. This meeting is considered a pivotal moment in the founding of the Bulgarian Social Democratic Workers Party, which later evolved into the Bulgarian Communist Party.

Symbol of Communist Power and Ideology: During the 1970s, Bulgaria was under communist rule, and the government sought to create symbols that would reinforce its ideology and power. The Buzludzha Monument was intended as a grand representation of the strength and permanence of the communist regime in Bulgaria. It was meant to be a lasting testament to the party’s achievements and a tool for promoting communist ideals.

Architectural and Artistic Showcase: The monument was also envisioned as a showcase of architectural and artistic prowess. The government commissioned architect Georgi Stoilov to design a structure that would be both monumental and symbolic. The building’s unique flying saucer-like design and the grandiose mosaics inside, which depicted important moments and figures from Bulgarian and international socialist history, were meant to inspire awe and reflect the technological and cultural achievements of the communist era.

Celebration of Bulgarian National Identity within Socialism: While promoting communist ideology, the monument also aimed to foster a sense of national pride. By highlighting the historical role of Bulgarian socialists, it served to integrate national history into the broader narrative of international socialism.

Political and Social Function: The Buzludzha Monument was not just a symbolic structure but also a functional space. It was designed to host political gatherings, conferences, and cultural events, playing an active role in the social and political life of communist Bulgaria.

In short, the Buzludzha Monument was built for several reasons. It was made to remember an important time in the socialist movement, to show support for communist beliefs, to display great architecture and art, to celebrate Bulgaria’s culture in a socialist way, and to host political and cultural events. Its impressive and unusual look shows the goals and ideas of the Bulgarian communist government at that time.

Why is the Buzludzha Monument abandoned?

The Buzludzha Monument in Bulgaria was abandoned primarily due to the political changes that swept across Eastern Europe at the end of the Cold War. Here’s a brief explanation:

Fall of Communism: The monument was built as a symbol and meeting place for the Bulgarian Communist Party. However, with the fall of communism in Eastern Europe around 1989, the monument’s significance rapidly diminished.

Lack of Maintenance and Funding: After the collapse of the communist regime, there was no longer any official support or funding to maintain the structure. The government of Bulgaria, transitioning to a new political and economic system, did not allocate resources to its upkeep.

Structural Deterioration: Over time, the monument fell into disrepair. The harsh weather conditions at its high-altitude location further accelerated its deterioration. This lack of maintenance led to safety concerns, making the monument less accessible to visitors.

Cultural Shift: The cultural and historical significance of the monument also shifted. For many Bulgarians, it represented a controversial period in their history. This change in perception contributed to the lack of interest in preserving the site.

Thus, the Buzludzha Monument stands today as an abandoned, albeit striking, relic of Bulgaria’s communist past, reflecting the profound changes that occurred in the country and the wider region during the late 20th century.

Can You Go Inside The Buzludzha Monument?

The Buzludzha Monument is closed to the public primarily due to safety concerns. Over the years since its abandonment in the 1990s, the monument has undergone significant deterioration. The lack of maintenance has led to structural weaknesses, with risks of collapsing ceilings and unstable floors. Additionally, exposure to the elements has resulted in hazardous materials, such as asbestos and broken glass, becoming a danger within the building. The site has also suffered from extensive vandalism, further compromising its safety. Without official management or restoration efforts, the Bulgarian authorities have deemed the monument unsafe for public entry and have legally restricted access to prevent accidents and injuries.

For a long time, despite the official ban, people were able to enter the Buzludzha Monument by using broken doors and windows. However, these access points have now been sealed, and some say that there is a guard on duty at the site around the clock, although I did not see any guard there.

How To Get To the Buzludzha Monument

By Car:

If you have rented a car there are two ways you can get to Buzludzha monument depending on where you are: either from the north usually from Veliko Tarnovo, a popular city to visit in Bulgaria, or from the South, which is the quickest way from Sofia.

From Sofia
Driving from Sofia takes around 3 hours and is the smoothest option of arriving at the Buzludzha monument since you will be taking the A1 highway for the most part, which is a well-built and partly EU-funded highway. Drive all the way to Plovdiv where you will take the exit towards Karlovo on the road E64. From there turn right and head to the Shipka Pass, which will lead you up a smaller mountain road leading up to the monument. The last part of the road up the mountain is full of twists and turns however still in asphalt and in decent condition. I do recommend this option, in contrast to the road from Veliko Tarnovo, if you don’t like driving on roads with potholes.

From Veliko Tarnovo
Driving from Veliko Tarnovo to Buzludzha monument is another route that you can take. From Veliko Tarnovo, the drive to Buzludzha is only 1 hour and 30 minutes long, leading you through the Central Balkan Mountains. This road will also give you the possibility to make a shorter detour to Tryavna or to the Ethno Village of Etar, before continuing the journey to Buzludzha. On the road, you will notice several abandoned villages, which is quite an eerie feeling. Additionally, there are also random communist monuments located on the roads, that makes for interesting pitstops. However, it needs to be mentioned that the last stretch (10 km or so), the road gets significantly worse, with many potholes along the road. I would only recommend this road if you are visiting outside of the winter months (December – March).

As you approach the monument you will see two massive oversized hands holding a torch with the Buzludzha monument sitting on the top of the peak. Its an impressive sight which makes a strong visible statement.

Without a Car:

By Taxi

If you prefer not to spend money on car rental, reaching the Buzludzha Monument is still feasible, although with a bit more effort. As direct bus services to Buzludzha are unavailable, I recommend taking a bus to the nearby town of Kazanlak, situated in the charming Rose Valley. Once in Kazanlak, you can arrange for a taxi to take you up to the summit of Buzludzha Peak. The taxi ride is a brief 30 minutes, so you can ask the driver to wait while you explore the monument. Expect to pay roughly 40 levs (20€) there and back. Typically, a complete visit, including the return journey to Kazanlak, should take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

However, do note that the monumental hands holding a torch sculpture, are not directly on the route. To ensure you don’t miss this iconic feature, instruct the taxi driver to make a brief stop there as well. It’s a worthwhile detour that significantly enhances the experience (refer to the map below for guidance) and a perfect spot to take a photo of this spectacular monument.

By Organized Tour:

If you are not up for going to the Buzludzha Monument solo, another option is to go with an organized tour. The tours are reasonably priced and also include transportation and often a visit to the nearby Rose Valley.

Private tours start from roughly 190€ for a vehicle of 3 people, and pick-up can be arranged from most major cities in Bulgaria. So around 63€ per person if you are 3 persons. The best option, in my opinion if you are a group of 3. Book your private tour here!

Group tours are less expensive and will set you back around 50€ per person for a full day from Sofia including a visit to the Rose Valley. This is the best option if you are a solo traveler and don’t want to think about the logistics of how to get to the Buzluzdha monument by yourself. Book your tour here!

To be frank, taking a tour isn’t a necessity for visiting the Buzludzha Monument; it’s perfectly fine to go on your own. Since entry into the monument is not allowed for anyone, including tour guides, the benefits of having a guide are not that substantial. The main reason to consider a guided tour would be for convenience, especially if you’re not keen on renting a car and prefer to avoid the hassle of figuring out transportation to the site.

This article was originally posted on vbronner.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.