CHIPKA PASS (ШИПЧЕНСКИ ПРОХОД)

One of the main roads linking the north and south of the country through the Balkan via the Chipka Pass (1,150m) crosses sumptuous panoramas and spectacular sites.

The Chipka Battle Memorial (Паметника Шипка). This dark sandstone behemoth was built in 1934 in memory of the series of deadly clashes between Russians and Turks in 1877 and 1878. Magnificent panorama.

The Bouzloudja Monument (Паметника Бузлуджа) in reinforced concrete in the shape of a giant saucer perched atop the mountain dates from 1981, to the glory of the Communist Party. Abandoned with the fall of communism. Having fallen into disrepair and become dangerous, it was barricaded to prevent entry. As a result, it is impossible to see the giant mosaics created by great artists on a monumental surface. The future of this building, once the headquarters of the Communist Party, remains uncertain. Today, people are mobilizing to safeguard and promote this heritage, which bears witness to a history and ideology that left its mark on the country.

The Russian memorial church of Chipka nestles in the trees at the foot of the pass, on the southern slope not far from the town. Built between 1885 and 1902 in the 17th-century Russian style, this Bulgarian Orthodox church is dedicated to the Russian and Bulgarian soldiers who died liberating Bulgaria during the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878. With its five golden bulbs visible from miles around, it's quite a sight!