{"id":14390,"date":"2024-02-13T19:34:02","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T19:34:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/bgdv_listing\/shipka-memorial-temple\/"},"modified":"2025-06-19T13:46:32","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T13:46:32","slug":"shipka-memorial-temple","status":"publish","type":"bgdv_listing","link":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/shipka-memorial-temple\/","title":{"rendered":"Memorial Church \u201cNativity of Christ\u201d \u2013 GUARDING the Bones of the Fallen at Shipka"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2><strong>Episode BG55. Memorial Church \u201cNativity of Christ\u201d \u2013 GUARDING the Bones of the Fallen at Shipka<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Hello, Bulgaria! \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddec<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"716\">The Nativity of Christ Church near Shipka is one of the most impressive spiritual and architectural testimonies of Bulgarian gratitude. With its golden domes and Eastern Russian style, it not only dominates the valley, but also keeps the bones of those who died in the Battle of Shipka &#8211; over 9000 people. Built in the late 19th century as a gift from Russia, the temple is a symbol of sacrifice and brotherhood between nations, inscribed in the landscape of one of the most sacred heights in our history.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs style_default switch_click accordion type_togglable has_scrolling\" style=\"--sections-title-size:inherit\"><div class=\"w-tabs-sections titles-align_none icon_chevron cpos_right\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section new_tab_links\" id=\"p938\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-p938\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-title\">\ud83d\udea9 Timecode for quick access to video moments<\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-p938\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>You can navigate directly to a desired moment in the video by clicking on the timer\ud83d\udc46<br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wzyHiPD1MBg\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">0:00<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Intro<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wzyHiPD1MBg&amp;t=48s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">0:48<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Where Is It?<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wzyHiPD1MBg&amp;t=160s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">2:40<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Trailer Bulgaria DropView <\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wzyHiPD1MBg&amp;t=180s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">3:00<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; History<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wzyHiPD1MBg&amp;t=420s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">7:00<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Filming the Romanian Group<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wzyHiPD1MBg&amp;t=445s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">7:25<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Architecture<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"><a class=\"yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wzyHiPD1MBg&amp;t=620s\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">10:20<\/a><\/span><span class=\"yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color\" dir=\"auto\"> &#8211; Next Episode and Closing Words<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section new_tab_links\" id=\"fa96\"><button class=\"w-tabs-section-header\" aria-controls=\"content-fa96\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-title\">\ud83d\udc49 Links and references to other videos<\/div><div class=\"w-tabs-section-control\"><\/div><\/button><div  class=\"w-tabs-section-content\" id=\"content-fa96\"><div class=\"w-tabs-section-content-h i-cf\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p>\ud83d\udca1 Other interesting places nearby:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/shipka-monument\/\">BG14. Shipka Memorial \u2013 Monument of Freedom<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/buzludzha-monument\/\">BG15. Buzludzha Monument \u2013 The Former House of the Bulgarian Communist Party<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/koprinka-seuthopolis\/\">BG20. Koprinka Reservoir and the Thracian City of Seuthopolis<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/buzovgrad-megalith\/\">BG52. Megalith above Buzovgrad and the Gateway of the Mother Goddess to the BEYOND!<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/rose-festival\/\">BG60. The Rose Festival Reveals the MAGIC of the Bulgarian Rose and Rose Oil<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 References to other episodes:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/shipka-monument\/\">BG14. Shipka Memorial \u2013 Monument of Freedom<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/samarsko-zname\/\">BG57. The Battle for the Samara Flag and the MASSACRE in Stara Zagora<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/beklemeto-arch\/\">BG58. Beklemeto and the Portal to the Past beneath the ARCH of FREEDOM<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/bgdv_listing\/koprivshtitsa-uprising\/\">BG59. Koprivshtitsa \u2013 The REBELLIOUS Capital of the Bulgarian Revival!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_small\" id=\"summary\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\ud83d\udccc What will we look at in this article?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><a href=\"#summary\">\ud83d\udcdd Episode Summary<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#highlights\">\ud83d\udd25 The most interesting moments<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#location-rating\">\u2b50 Location assessment\u200b<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"#final-conclusion\">\u2705 Final conclusion<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\" id=\"summary\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\ud83d\udcdd Brief summary of the episode<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"1213\">The temple rises to a height of 53 metres and was completed in 1902 to a design by the Russian architect Potapov. It is dedicated to the Nativity of Christ and to all the fallen heroes of the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation. Under its central nave is an ossuary with 17 stone sarcophagi, in which the remains of fallen Russian and Bulgarian soldiers are laid. The church is painted and decorated with marble, granite and gold, giving it a majestic presence from the first glance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_11\" href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">\u041e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0442\u043d\u043e \u043a\u044a\u043c \u0441\u0442\u0430\u0442\u0438\u044f\u0442\u0430<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_small\" id=\"highlights\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\ud83d\udd25 What will you see in this episode?<\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 &#091;&#093;\">The Nativity of Christ monument was erected between 1885 and 1902 at the foot of Mount Shipka as a gift from Russia in memory of the fallen soldiers of the Russo-Turkish War. The author of the project was the Russian architect Antony Tomiskov, and the construction was supported by Russian engineers, Bulgarian craftsmen and voluntary donations. The temple is built in the tradition of 17th century Russian church architecture &#8211; with high arches, gilded domes and a bell tower reaching 53 metres. The interior is covered with marble, granite and rich iconography. Under the altar is the ossuary &#8211; a crypt where the remains of more than 9,000 Russian and Bulgarian soldiers who died during the battles of the Shipka Pass are laid. On the walls are inscribed the names of units, commanders and battles. The temple has been declared a cultural monument and is part of the Shipka-Buzludzha National Park-Museum.<\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 &#091;&#093;\">The beginning of the episode takes us to the entrance of the Nativity of Christ monument &#8211; overlooking the large-scale facade, the golden domes and the arch in front of the stairs. The camera rises above the temple, revealing its entire structure amidst the greenery of the forest and a panoramic backdrop of mountain slopes. The clock tower is also visible. The inscription on the fa\u00e7ade is traced and details of the exterior icons and ornaments are shown. The sign by the entrance with the name of the site is read. Tombstones and memorial inscriptions, including those outside the entrance to the crypt, are photographed without going inside. The camera pans through various angles, from the facade to the back of the temple, where the golden domes reflect the light. The final shots capture the surrounding space, nature and a brief moment of complete silence, bringing the episode to a close against the majestic presence of the temple.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_11\" href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">\u041e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0442\u043d\u043e \u043a\u044a\u043c \u0441\u0442\u0430\u0442\u0438\u044f\u0442\u0430<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\" id=\"location-rating\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\u2b50 Location assessment<\/h2>\n<p>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 &#8211; Very bad, 2\/5 &#8211; Bad, 3\/5 &#8211; Average, 4\/5 &#8211; Good, 5\/5 &#8211; Excellent)<br \/>\n<!-- SECTION 3 BUTTONS TOP --><\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 14px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f8f8f8;\">\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: left; width: 10%;\">Criterion<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Personal impression<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: left; width: 15%;\">Rating<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Accessibility<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\ude97<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Stopping directly at the site by car, there is parking and paved access to the temple itself. No physical exertion or climbing required.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>History<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\udcdc<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">It was built at the end of the 19th century in memory of those who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War. Contains a crypt with over 9,000 bones, architecture in the Russian style, designed by Antony Tomiskov.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Condition<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">The temple has been restored, maintained in excellent condition, both the facade and the space around it. There are no visible signs of ruin or neglect.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Conveniences<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\udebb<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">There is an ecotoilet nearby. There is no cafe in the temple itself, but there are restaurants in Shipka (minutes away). There are signs and an information structure.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">\u2606<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Price<\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 24px; display: block; margin-top: 4px;\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Admission is charged &#8211; BGN 6 for adults, BGN 2 for students. Fair value for access to the site and crypt. Worth it.<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">\u2606<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \u041e\u0431\u0449\u0430 \u043e\u0446\u0435\u043d\u043a\u0430 --><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 15px; padding: 12px; background-color: #f3f3f3; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\"><span><strong>Overall rating:<\/strong> 4.6<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 30px;\"><span style=\"color: #ffd700;\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><span style=\"position: relative; display: inline-block;\"><span style=\"position: absolute; left: 0; width: 60%; overflow: hidden; color: #ffd700;\">\u2605<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u2606<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none hide_on_default hide_on_laptops hide_on_tablets hide_on_mobiles\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_11\" href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">\u041e\u0431\u0440\u0430\u0442\u043d\u043e \u043a\u044a\u043c \u0442\u043e\u0447\u043a\u0438\u0442\u0435<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_e7f5d98a height_small\" id=\"final-conclusion\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2>\u2705 Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"2368\">The Church of the Nativity is not just a tourist stop &#8211; it is an experience. A symbolic portal to the times of the worst battles and heroic sacrifices that shaped our freedom. Located at the foot of Shipka, easily accessible and maintained, with dignified architecture and a silence that makes every visitor fall silent. It combines spirituality, history and reverence for the past in one &#8211; without intruding, but simply by standing&#8230; and protecting. If you&#8217;re looking for a place to remind you of the price of freedom &#8211; this is it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you like the content we share, don&#8217;t forget to subscribe to the channel and support the project &#8220;Bulgaria one click away!&#8221;. Thanks to everyone who shares and spreads the beauty of our homeland!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"w-separator hide_on_default hide_on_laptops size_small\"><\/div><div class=\"w-btn-wrapper align_none hide_on_default hide_on_laptops\"><a class=\"w-btn us-btn-style_11\" href=\"#summary\"><span class=\"w-btn-label\">Back to article<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Episode BG55 takes us to the foot of Shipka, to the temple that protects the bones of the heroes. Where the golden domes do not just shine, but remind &#8211; for battle, for memory, for freedom!. Are you ready to face a place that does not forget?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":13454,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14390","bgdv_listing","type-bgdv_listing","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bgdv_listing\/14390","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bgdv_listing"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/bgdv_listing"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13454"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14390"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bulgariadropview.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14390"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}