Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument

Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument is one of Bulgaria’s most striking modern landmarks, rising above Shumen with a dramatic silhouette visible for kilometres. Inaugurated in 1981 for the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state, it was designed by sculptor Krum Damyanov and architect Georgi Gechev, who created a monumental ensemble that feels both ancient and futuristic. Its massive concrete figures—some over 18 metres tall—depict the early rulers who shaped Bulgaria’s medieval rise. Inside the complex, visitors walk through a sequence of sculptural “rooms,” each telling part of the story. The first section honours Khan Asparuh, whose dynamic figure symbolises the founding of the state. Further in, the hall of Krum and Omurtag presents geometric, almost cubist forms that give the monument its distinctive aesthetic. One of the most interesting features is the mosaic gallery, where colourful panels narrate key events of the First Bulgarian Empire with bold, expressive imagery. The acoustics inside the chambers create a unique atmosphere: footsteps echo, voices resonate and the wind adds a natural soundtrack that enhances the monument’s solemnity.