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Shipka Freedom Monument restoration

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2026-10-04 17:16 UTC → 2026-10-08 04:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Shipka Freedom Monument in Bulgaria is undergoing a major conservation and restoration project expected to last until September 2029. To manage extreme weather, construction is scheduled annually between April 1 and October 31. The project aims to address moisture penetration in the facades and interior, re-point joints, and restore lead coverings. Additionally, the northern staircase has been dismantled to allow for the construction of a reinforced concrete foundation, as the original earth-and-stone embankment had settled over time. Upon completion, the monument will reopen with a new exhibition titled ‘Shipka Epic’, incorporating digital elements. While Bulgarian leadership has emphasized that the monument is being reinforced to its “original appearance as built by previous generations”, the renovation has triggered significant public unrest. Protesters have recently blocked construction equipment following the removal of stone slabs from the stairs and platform. Citizens have expressed fears that the restoration might serve as a cover for the intentional destruction of the landmark, drawing comparisons to the fate of the Monument to the Soviet Army in Sofia. Dr. Chavdar Angelov, Director of the Shipka-Buzludzha National Park-Museum, clarified that the dismantling is necessary because the dolomite cladding is water-permeable and the underlying embankment had collapsed. Controversy persists regarding transparency, the procurement process involving Building Comfort Ltd, and the fate of historical artifacts belonging to Generals Stoletov, Radetsky, and Skobeleff. Furthermore, the Russian Embassy has expressed concern regarding the monument’s status. Following the monument's closure to visitors in early September due to falling stones and structural deterioration, Minister of Culture Evtim Miloshev and specialists have provided updates on the scope of work, which includes replacing approximately 380 stone cladding blocks. To ensure authenticity, President Rumen Radev has emphasized that the monument’s appearance must remain unchanged.

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