Soviet Army Monument in Sofia

Overview

The monument to the Soviet Army is located in a park in the center of Sofia. It is dedicated to the Soviet Red Army. Built in 1954, ten years after the coup of September 9, 1944, the monument is now the subject of heated debate over its significance, purpose, and future. After 2011, it became the site of several protests against the policies of the former Soviet Union and modern Russia.

Thousands of supporters of left-wing political parties and movements and Russophile organizations in Bulgaria celebrate Victory Day every year, September 9, 1944 (the day of the coup),  and other historical dates by laying wreaths and flowers and organizing ceremonial concerts and other events.

In 1949, a decision was made to build a monument to the Soviet Army. Construction began in 1952 and the opening was in 1954. It was created by a team led by sculptor Ivan Funev, with the idea to symbolize the gratitude of the Bulgarian people to the Soviet soldiers.

The monument is a 37 m high truncated pyramid, on which rises an 8-meter figural sculptural composition - a Soviet soldier, a Bulgarian worker, and a mother with a child.