Statue of Tsar Alexander II

The neoclassical monument was created in 1907 as a symbol of Bulgarian gratitude to Russian Tsar Alexander II for liberating the nation from Ottoman oppression. It is also a symbol of Bulgaria’s freedom and independence. The 14-m statue is a work by the Italian Arnoldo Zocci

The monument is made up of a pedestal, a center section with a bas-relief, and a 4.5-meter horse figure of Alexander II. The whole structure is 12 meters tall. The tsar’s statue was constructed of bronze, while the pedestal and center section were made of black polished granite.

The main relief depicts 30 military leaders, politicians, and other notable public personalities. Three smaller bas-reliefs commemorate the most significant events in the country’s fight for independence: the battle of Old Farm, the signing of the peace treaty, and the convocation of the Legislative Assembly.