BUZLUDZHA MONUMENT AND THE VALLEY OF ROSES

Join us on a guided trip to one of the most iconic communist monuments from the past in Eastern Europe. The UFO-like abandoned building is located on top of Buzludzha peak (1441 m) in the Central Balkan mountains. Today an empty structure stripped of its initial purposes, it has gained many admirers and popularity around the world and is considered a remarkable representation of this part of history. Another stop of this day trip is the Orthodox Russian-style church near the town of Shipka. And last, but not least - the third highlight of this tour is the wonderful Ethnographic Complex of Damascena where you can watch and learn more about the production of the famous Bulgarian rose oil.  

Buzludzha monument

Have you ever wondered what this UFO-like building is on top of a mountain hill?

This spaceship look-alike building has turned into an Instagram photo star which many artists and musicians (most recently – Rita Ora) have used in their pop video clips.

Join us on a one-day tour from Sofia to see one of the most iconic communist monuments from the past in Eastern Europe. Travel in an air-conditioned car/minibus with one of our experienced guides by your side.

Explore the past to understand the future

The official name of the Buzludzha monument is “Home Monument of the Bulgarian Communist Party – a.k.a. BKP”. Buzludzha (as it is most popular) is the biggest ideological monument of the past communist regime in Bulgaria.
The Buzludzha monument is one of the most emblematic and significant buildings of post-war modernism in Bulgaria and in Europe as well. It was built in 1981 and abandoned in the 90s, as it represents the previous socialist period.

The Valley of Roses

The Rose plant has traveled from India and Persia and has found a welcoming home in the mild climate and fruitful land of central Bulgaria. It is one of the few places on earth blessed with perfect conditions for growing the oil bearing rose – Rosa Damascena. This region is known as the Rose Valley. The production of rose oil in Bulgaria dates back to the 16th century. In the 19th century Bulgaria becomes the world leader in its manufacturing.
The Bulgarian oil bearing rose has become a national symbol.
Each year during the rose harvesting months of May and June, and there are several rose festivals in the area representing the ancient traditions of flower gathering and oil making – traditions saved to this very day.

Tour itinerary

• The tour starts at 7:00 AM at the back of the Alexander Nevski Cathedral.
  The transfer time is about 3.5 hours per direction and the tour is about 12 and a half hours long.
  First, we will stop at the Complex of Damascena around 10:30. The Ethnographic Complex “Damascena” is where you can see how rose oil is produced.
• We will arrive at the Buzludzha monument around 13:30.
  Keep in mind that the Buzludzha monument is currently not open for visitors for safety reasons and cannot be seen from the inside. However, the views from the outside are well worth the time.
  The monument is atop the Buzludzha peak in the Balkan mountains (1.441m) so make sure you bring a jacket and comfortable shoes.
• The last stop will be at the Shipka memorial church. We leave for Sofia at around 16:30 and are back at the Alexander Nevski Cathedral around 19:30.

Prices:

• Prices: 60 euro per person

Included:

• Transfer with a comfortable air-conditioned car or minivan throughout the tour.
• English-speaking guide. 
• All transport and parking fees.

Not included:

• Entrance fees
• Meals, drinks and other personal expenses
• Transportation not per itinerary
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Gratuities

Good to know before you go to Buzludzha monument and the Valley of Roses tour:

• Please note that entering the monument itself is not possible, due to the crumbling interior from years of neglect.
• Cash or card: Kindly note that payment by credit/debit card is not possible everywhere. There are some cash machines along the way, however, for your expenses, we recommend bringing leva in cash with you.
• We recommend you bring warm clothes with you.
• There are a few gas stations and small shops along the way where you can buy food, but it’s good to be prepared in advance by bringing a snack with you.
• You can read more about the Buzludzha monument from an interview with one of our guides from Here.
• If you have more questions regarding your day tour, contact us!