Alyosha Monument
Plovdiv
The Alyosha Monument is an imposing 11-metre tall reinforced concrete statue of a Soviet soldier located on Bunarjik Hill in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It stands atop a 6-metre granite-lined pedestal, creating a striking landmark visible across the city. Erected between 1954 and 1957, the monument honors Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during the German occupation of Bulgaria in World War II, a period when Bulgaria was allied with the Axis powers. The statue is affectionately named "Alyosha," a diminutive of Aleksey, and has become a cultural symbol in Plovdiv, inspiring a song by Konstantin Vanshenkin and Eduard Kolmanovski, which served as the city's anthem until 1989. Despite attempts by local authorities to remove the monument in 1989 and 1996, it was preserved through public campaigns, reflecting its significance to many residents. The statue was modeled after Alyosha Skurlatov, a soldier from the 3rd Ukrainian Front, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 91. Today, the monument remains a poignant reminder of Bulgaria's complex WWII history and the enduring legacy of Soviet soldiers in the region.
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Tip: Visitors should consider visiting the monument during daylight hours for the best views over Plovdiv and to fully appreciate the statue's details. While there is no entrance fee, planning your visit during spring or autumn offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds. No advance ticket purchase is required, but checking local event schedules is advisable as the site occasionally hosts commemorative ceremonies.
Interesting facts
- •The statue is 11 metres (36 feet) tall and stands on a 6-metre (20-foot) granite pedestal.
- •The monument was modeled after Alyosha Skurlatov, a Soviet soldier from the 3rd Ukrainian Front.
- •A song titled "Alyosha" by Konstantin Vanshenkin and Eduard Kolmanovski served as Plovdiv's official anthem until 1989.
- •The monument survived attempts of removal in 1989 and 1996 due to public preservation campaigns.
History
The Alyosha Monument was constructed between 1954 and 1957 to commemorate Soviet soldiers who died during the German occupation of Bulgaria in World War II.
It was erected on Bunarjik Hill, a prominent location overlooking Plovdiv.
Over the years, especially after the fall of communism, local authorities attempted to remove the statue in 1989 and again in 1996, but public campaigns successfully preserved it.
The monument's model, Alyosha Skurlatov, was a real Soviet soldier who lived until 2013, symbolizing a direct connection to the historical events it commemorates.
Place Guide
The Soviet Soldier Statue1954-1957
This 11-metre tall reinforced concrete statue represents a Soviet soldier symbolizing the sacrifices made during World War II. Its commanding presence atop the hill offers panoramic views of Plovdiv.
Contact
Phone: 032 656 794
