Shipka

The "Shipka" Monument of Liberty is located in the "Shipka" national museum - park on the ridge of the Balkan Mountains
and is 18 km away from Gabrovo. The most decisive battle of Shipka during the Russian-Turkish war of Liberation
changed the history of the whole country. This impressive monument has been erected in memory of the thousands of
Bulgarian volunteers, killed in the battle.

To get there, tourists should climb 894 stairs. The 31.5 m high monument has seven storeys; on the ground floor,
under the central arch there is a marble sarcophagus which keeps the bones of the heroes, lost their lives in
the battle.

The shape of the monument reminds of a medieval battle tower. The first one could see above the main entrance is the
big bronze lion, facing east, from where the liberators came. In bronze letters on the other three sides are
immortalized the names of the battle fields -Shipka, Sheynovo and Stara Zagora. Pacing up and down the floors
one can feel the heroism of the Bulgarian volunteers and the Russian soldiers. There is a collection of medals,
arms, photos, clothes and documental materials. ? copy of the Samar colours has been also preserved.
On the top of the monument you could feel the sublimity of their heroic deed. The view is unforgettable.
The surroundings offer excellent conditions for rest and tourism.

Source: visit.bg