The Buzludzha Monument

The Buzludzha Monument is the popular name of the largest ideological monument of the totalitarian communist regime in Bulgaria. Its architecture is described as a sacrificial tray and column symbolizing an unfurled flag and wreath in honour of the Bulgarian Communist Party. It was erected in 1981 on Mount Hadzhi Dimitar, better known by its old name of Mount Buzludzha.

After the political changes in Bulgaria in November 1989, the condition of the monument began to deteriorate drastically. In 1992, the monument was nationalized and sealed. The building began to collapse, glass was broken, mosaics, ornaments and other elements of its construction were removed. The mosaic portraits were destroyed. The huge quintet was fired upon in an attempt to rob the rubies from which it was believed to be built.

In recent years, the Buzludzha Project Foundation has set itself the goal of strengthening and preserving the monument so that it is accessible to visitors.

The monument is in the ranking "The most beautiful abandoned places in the world" at number 25, and in 2013 a similar ranking gave it the top spot.