Episode BG31. Monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State”
Hello, Bulgaria! 🇧🇬
The monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State” near Shumen is among the most impressive monumental sites in Bulgaria, dedicated to the 1300th anniversary of the founding of Bulgaria. Erected on the Shumen Plateau at an altitude of about 450 metres above sea level, this colossal ensemble combines architecture, sculpture and symbolism into a highly impressive whole. It was designed by the team of Krum Damyanov, Ivan Slavov, architect Georgi Georgiev and artist Plamen Valchev and completed in 1981 – a year marked by cultural events and national pride. With its scale, the monument is visible from miles away and dominates the skyline of the whole of Northeastern Bulgaria.
You can navigate directly to a desired moment in the video by clicking on the timer👆
0:00 – Intro Channel trailer
0:19 – Series Intro
1:21 – “Founders of the Bulgarian State”
2:48 – Khan Asparuh
3:31 – Gallery of Khans
5:04 – Knyaz Boris I
5:29 – Tsar Simeon I
5:57 – The Mosaic – Triptych
6:49 – Final Thoughts
💡 Other interesting places nearby:
BG32. The Madara Horseman – Europe’s Only Cliff Relief
BG33. Medieval Pliska – Bulgaria’s First Capital
BG34. Khan Krum Rock Monastery and the Hesychasm Teaching
BG35. The Eye of Osmar and Kostadin Monastery
BG37. NRPI “Shumen Fortress” – Discover the Secrets of the Middle Ages!
BG38. Veliki Preslav – Bulgaria’s Second Capital
👉 References to other episodes:
None
📌 What will we look at in this article?
📝 Episode Summary
🔥 The most interesting moments
⭐ Location assessment
✅ Final conclusion
📝 Brief summary of the episode
Composed of concrete and granite, the monument reaches a height of 52 metres. Key rulers from Bulgarian history are represented – Khan Asparuh, Khan Tervel, Khan Omurtagh, Tsar Simeon the Great and others. Each figure is built in the Cubist style and carries a suggestion of strength, power and consistency. The central part includes mosaics with the letters of the Cyrillic alphabet, as well as a scene with Cyril and Methodius. The whole complex is amphitheatrically positioned to reveal a panorama of the city, Pliska and Madara. Pagan and Christian elements intertwine in the composition – united by the idea of a strong and lasting Bulgarian state.
🔥 What will you see in this episode?
Composed of concrete and granite, the monument reaches a height of 52 metres. Key rulers from Bulgarian history are represented – Khan Asparuh, Khan Tervel, Khan Omurtagh, Tsar Simeon the Great and others. Each figure is built in the Cubist style and carries a suggestion of strength, power and consistency. The central part includes mosaics with the letters of the Cyrillic alphabet, as well as a scene with Cyril and Methodius. The whole complex is an amphitheatreThe monument unfolds its imposing structure in a series of stone blocks, figures and mosaics that look even more spectacular from the air. The face of Asparukh faces forward, as if gazing into the future. Khan Omurtagh stands with a symbol of eternity in his hand, and King Simeon is depicted with a book – a metaphor for the spiritual power of the Golden Age. The inscriptions and mosaics add an extra layer to the narrative – the Cyrillic alphabet embedded in the wall and the scenes of the Enlightenment underline the cultural depth of the conception. The panoramic platform overlooks the first capitals of Bulgaria, and stylized lions – the eternal guardian of Bulgarian statehood – creep between the figures.
In the episode there are scenes that present the figure composition of the rulers – Khan Asparuh with his hand stretched forward, Omurtagh with a circle symbolizing eternity, and Simeon the Great with an open book. Visible are the mosaics with the Cyrillic alphabet located in the central part of the monument, as well as the images of Cyril and Methodius. The style of the monument is distinguished by massive geometric shapes characteristic of Cubism and Brutalism. The stone lions and the composition of the areas reinforce the sense of monumentality. The amphitheatrical arrangement offers panoramic views of the city and plain, and the architectural lines draw attention to the symbolism of each scene. Key details are shown that interweave pagan and Christian traditions, emphasizing the unity of power and culture. The episode traces the entire design of the memorial without leaving behind the more subtle suggestions embedded in the scale and forms.
⭐ Location assessment
The assessment is entirely based on my personal impression and is made according to several main criteria considered separately. I use a 5-point scale where (1/5 – Very bad, 2/5 – Bad, 3/5 – Average, 4/5 – Good, 5/5 – Excellent)
| Criterion | Personal impression | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility 🚗 |
The monument can be reached by car on an asphalt road, and there is a parking lot immediately in front of it. It is suitable for all ages. | ★★★★★ |
| History 📜 |
Created in 1981 for Bulgaria’s 1300th anniversary, the monument combines figures of key rulers and scenes from the Golden Age, interweaving pagan past and Christian culture. | ★★★★★ |
| Condition 🛠️ |
The site is in stable condition – there is no visible damage, although the concrete in places shows slight fading from time. | ★★★★☆ |
| Conveniences 🚻 |
There is an ecotoilet at the start of the driveway, near the car park. There is a restaurant at the very beginning before the alley. | ★★★★☆ |
| Price 💰 |
Admission for adults is BGN 6 – a value that matches the cultural and visual weight of the complex. | ★★★★☆ |
★★★★☆
✅ Conclusion
The monument “Founders of the Bulgarian State” carries a message that needs no words – every detail speaks with its own power. Majestic, uncompromising and large-scale, it is a rare example of monumental art in which the spirit of history is embedded in the stone itself. The site is well maintained, accessible and prepared for visitors. But the real value lies in the sense that remains of connection to the past, of pride and belonging. It is not just seen here, it is experienced here. Especially the colossal dimensions make you feel truly among titans!
If you like the content we share, don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and support the project “Bulgaria one click away!”. Thanks to everyone who shares and spreads the beauty of our homeland!
