Tsar Osvoboditel is an impressive monument located in the center of Sofia, Bulgaria. It stands as a symbol of gratitude from the Bulgarian people to Russian Emperor Alexander II, who played a crucial role in liberating Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War. The monument, designed by Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi, features a massive bronze statue of the Tsar on a horse, surrounded by intricate bas-reliefs depicting significant events from the war and portraits of notable figures from that period.
The monument is situated on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, facing the National Assembly of Bulgaria and the InterContinental hotel. Despite some differing opinions on the historical significance of the Tsar Liberator, the monument continues to be a prominent landmark in Sofia. Its grandeur and historical importance make it a must-see attraction for visitors to the city.
Address:
ploshtad "Narodno sabranie", Sofia
Comment
17.05.23
Mike
Impressive monument in an area full of great places to visit and see.
20.04.23
eleni
Very impressive statue just opposite the cathedral
30.03.23
Michael
A beautiful monument in the center of Sofia. Very near to the St. Alexander Cathedral. The statue is dedicated to Tsar Alexander II. I love the decoration and pure size of the statue. Very interesting history.
09.02.23
Dimitr
There is no king liberator. Complete wrongly overwritten history from the Russian invaders during the communism period of the country. Wrong statue at wrong place. One of the many propaganda monuments left over from soviet time. Russia was not liber.. Read more »ating Bulgaria at that time but was following its empire ambition to have Bosforous under their influence.
21.11.22
vladimir
Haha, Google is joking. Yes I've been to the place, but because there was a meeting against the political mafia trying to accept an election law giving them a chance to manipulate the elections.
24.10.22
Boyana
The Monument to the Tsar Liberator is a monument in the centre of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It was erected in honour of Russian Emperor Alexander II who liberated Bulgaria of Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War.
The Monument to the Tsar .. Read more »Liberator lies on a little square at Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, facing the National Assembly of Bulgaria and with the Radisson SAS hotel behind it.
27.08.22
Rami
The Neoclassical memorial's author is Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi, who won the project in competition with 31 other artists from 12 countries (and with a total of 90 artists from 15 countries being interested) in the.. Read more » end of the 19th century. Bulgarian architect Nikola Lazarov participated in the monument's architectural design. The foundation stone was laid on 23 April 1901, St George's Day, in the presence of Knyaz Ferdinand I of Bulgaria, and the monument was completed on 15 September 1903.
Ferdinand also attended the monument's inauguration on 30 August 1907 together with his sons Boris and Kiril, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich of Russia, son of Alexander II, together with his wife and his son, as well as other notable figures.
Erected of black polished granite from Vitosha, the Monument to the Tsar Liberator consists of a pedestal, a middle part with figures and a massive Neo-Renaissance cornice finished with the sculpture of the Russian Tsar on a horse. The bronze wreath at the foot was donated by Romania in memory of the Romanian soldiers that died during the war.
The main bronze bas-relief in the middle part depicts a group of Russian and Bulgarian soldiers led by the goddess of victory (Nike in Greek mythology and Victoria in Roman mythology), who raises her sword high above. Portraits of Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaievich, Count Ignatiev and the generals Joseph Vladimirovich Gourko and Mikhail Skobelev surround the group. Other bas-reliefs feature scenes from the Battle of Stara Zagora, the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano and the opening ceremony of the Constituent National Assembly in Veliko Tarnovo, as well as portraits of Petko Slaveykov, Stoyan Zaimov, Ivan Vazov, Stefan Stambolov and other prominent figures from the period.
The Monument to the Tsar Liberator is on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, facing the National Assembly of Bulgaria and with the InterContinental hotel behind it.
07.07.22
Nikola
It was built in honor of the Liberation of Bulgaria (1878), as an expression of the gratitude of the Bulgarian people to the Russian people in the person of the Russian Emperor Alexander II, and as a symbol of Bulgarian freedom. Its official opening .. Read more »was in 1907.
23.06.22
Kat
This is some historic reference to Bulgaria, but as a foreigner I couldn’t find enough info on the actual monument when I was there. It’s a really imposing statue though and it’s right outside the parliament offices.
17.06.22
Наско
Big guy on big horse. He is called the Tzar Liberator because he abolished serfdom in the Russian empire. We have a statue of him because in one of the Russo-Turkish wars (the one that ended in 1878) we managed to piggyback our liberation from the Ot.. Read more »toman empire and he was apathetic about us enough to let that happen. Great guy! Every next one was gradually more detached from reality which led to the Bolshevik revolution of 1918 but this is a topic for another review.
15.04.22
Viktorija
Great part of the old Sofia, especially during spring time.
23.01.22
Simeon
The story is contradictory about the Russian liberators or occupiers of Bulgaria. Let's not put that aside. The monument to Tsar Alexander II is of exceptional artistic value.
24.09.21
Emagjby
A very beautiful location
08.07.21
Daniel
Monument to Bulgarian liberator from Ottoman slavery.
09.02.21
Kiril
The historic place!
13.12.20
Eram
My former school is just behind the square.
27.10.20
Ognian
One of the most impressive monuments in Sofia. It is located in front of the National Assembly building and is an expression of the gratitude of the Bulgarian people to the Russian people in the person of the Russian Emperor Alexander II.
02.08.20
Zach
Bulgaria's symbol for freedom and independance.
31.07.20
Irina
One of the most popular sites of the city with lovely view at the Parliament and St. Alexander Nevski cathedral.
16.07.20
ivan
Great place in the centre , can see it the National assembly in front of you
19.06.20
Bobby
Lovely statue with some very interesting history in the center of the beautiful city of Sofia
15.02.20
Flemming
Beautiful statue, very nice square, honouring a great Russian Tzar, the one who declarer at against The Osmanns, to liberate Bulgaria. Tzar Osvoboditel.
29.08.19
Claudiu
A monument in the center of the city dedicated to Tsar Alexander II whose role in the Russian-Ottoman War was pivotal in Bulgaria eventually obtaining its independence from the Porte hence the epithet "Liberator". This is one among a few mo.. Read more »numents in Sofia dedicated to Russia or Russian figures. Nearby os one of the most impressive cathedrals on the city, Alexander Nevsky and further away from the center a monument dedicated to the Russian army.
4.7 / 73
