The 1300 Years Monument in Shumen, Bulgaria, is a towering structure that I had the pleasure of visiting. The monument pays tribute to the country’s long and storied history. Standing at a height of 130 meters, the monument is a symbol of Bulgaria’s endurance and strength, and its construction was a significant achievement for the nation.
I found out that the monument was built in 1981 to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the founding of the Bulgarian state. The idea for the monument was first proposed in 1978, and construction began in 1979. The monument was designed by architect Krum Damianov, and the construction was overseen by engineer Petar Blaskov.
Walking through I could see that the monument is made up of three main parts. The base of the structure is a massive concrete block that weighs over 12,000 tons. Above the base is a cylindrical tower that is made up of 12 levels, each of which represents a different period in Bulgarian history. Finally, there is a spire that reaches up to a height of 130 meters. Which I found very impressive.
How it was made
The construction of the monument was a massive undertaking that required the efforts of thousands of people. Over 600 workers were involved in the construction, and the project took over three years to complete. Despite the challenging nature of the construction, there were no accidents or fatalities during the building process.
The 1300 Year Monument was officially opened on May 30, 1981, in the presence of thousands of people. The monument quickly became a symbol of national pride and was a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
However, in the years following its construction, the monument fell into disrepair. The harsh Bulgarian climate, coupled with a lack of maintenance, led to the deterioration of the structure. By the late 1990s, the monument was in a state of disrepair, and there were concerns that it may even collapse.
Restoration
In 1999, the Bulgarian government launched a project to restore the monument to its former glory. The restoration project was a massive undertaking that required the efforts of hundreds of workers and engineers. Moreover the course of several years, the structure was reinforced, and the façade was given a new coat of paint.
Today, the 1300 Year Monument stands as a testament to Bulgaria’s rich history and enduring spirit. I would class it as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country and a popular attraction for tourists.
References:
- “1300th Anniversary of Bulgaria” monument in Shumen, Bulgaria – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5686/ - The 1300 Year Monument in Shumen – official website
https://1300shumen.com/en/monument - The 1300 Year Monument in Shumen – Bulgaria Travel
https://bulgariatravel.org/en/the-1300-year-monument-in-shumen/ - – Places To See In Your Lifetime
https://www.placestoseeinyourlifetime.com/1300-year-monument-shumen-bulgaria-2236/ - – Balkan Bites
https://balkanbites.co/1300-year-monument-shumen-bulgaria/ - Bulgaria’s 1300 Year Monument Reopens After Renovations – Novinite
https://www.novinite.com/articles/100047/Bulgaria%27s+1300+Year+Monument+Reopens+After+Renovations - – Atlas Obscura
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-1300-year-monument-in-shumen-bulgaria - Shumen’s 1300 Year Monument – Bulgarian Tourism
https://bulgariatravel.org/en/shumens-1300-year-monument/ - Shumen – the land of the Madara Rider – Bulgarian National Tourism Board
https://bulgariatravel.org/en/shumen-the-land-of-the-madara-rider-and-the-1300-year-monument/