Description of the attraction
The Monument to the Tsar-Liberator is located in the very center of Sofia and is one of the most important historical sights of the city. It was erected in honor of the Emperor of the Russian Empire Alexander II, who liberated Bulgaria from the Ottoman oppression during the Russian-Turkish confrontation of 1877-1878. The monument is recognized by many as one of the best works of the famous Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi.
Constructed of polished granite, this monument consists of a pedestal, a middle section with sculptures and a massive Renaissance cornice. The monument is crowned with a statue of the Emperor Alexander II sitting on a horse. At the base of the monument there is a wreath made of bronze - this is a gift from Romania, made in memory of the Romanian soldiers who died for the liberation of Bulgaria.
Work on its creation began at the end of April 1901 and was completed on September 15, 1903. The grand opening took place on August 30, 1907, attended by the Tsar of Bulgaria Ferdinand, the son of Alexander II, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich with his family, famous Russian and Bulgarian generals and the sculptor himself is Arnoldo Zocchi.
Unfortunately, during the Second World War, the monument was seriously damaged by bombing and has not been repaired since 1944. At the moment it is under restoration. It is planned that the ceremony of the re-opening of the monument will take place in 2013.
