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Monument to the Tsar Liberator

Monument to the Tsar Liberator is an equestrian monument in the center of Sofia, Bulgaria, dedicated to Russian Emperor Alexander II, who helped liberate Bulgaria in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Designed by Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi, it was begun in 1901, completed in 1903, and officially unveiled in 1907. The monument is made of polished granite and bronze and rises about 13 meters high. Its sculptural program includes figures of Russian generals, Bulgarian volunteers, soldiers carrying the goddess Nike, and reliefs showing key scenes from the liberation war. Heavily damaged during World War II, it was fully restored in 2012–2013 and reopened in March 2013.

The Tsar Liberator Monument shows a green-patinated bronze equestrian statue on a tall stone pedestal with battle reliefs.
The Tsar Liberator Monument features a bronze equestrian statue atop a richly detailed stone pedestal.
© · CC BY 2.0
The Tsar Liberator Monument with an equestrian statue on a tiered stone pedestal and sculptural figures at the base.
The Tsar Liberator Monument rises on a multi-tiered stone pedestal with sculptural reliefs at its base.
1954 · CC BY-SA 3.0
The Tsar Liberator Monument stands on an ornate pedestal in a wide square, with a classical building and domed structure behind it.
The Tsar Liberator Monument in Sofia rises above a broad paved square, with the parliament building visible in the background.
© Agence de presse Meurisse. Agence photographique (commanditaire) · Public domain
The Tsar Liberator Monument stands on a stone pedestal in a snowy Sofia square, with buildings and a curved modern structure behind it.
The Tsar Liberator Monument in Sofia, shown on a winter day with surrounding city buildings in the background.
October 2014 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Tsar Liberator Monument covered by a large white banner on scaffolding at night, with nearby buildings and street activity.
The Tsar Liberator Monument is seen at night, largely covered by scaffolding and a printed banner.
October 2012 © · CC BY-SA 3.0

Identification

TitleMonument to the Tsar Liberator
Alternative nameMonument to the Liberators
TypeEquestrian monument
StyleNeoclassical memorial
Original-language nameПаметник на Цар Освободител

Historical context

Foundation stone laid23 April 1901, St. George's Day
DedicationDedicated to Russian Emperor Alexander II
Commemorated eventThe liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878
Historical contextCreated in honour of Alexander II, who also liberated the Russian serfs and won the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78
Initiative for creationInitiated in the 1890s by former Bulgarian volunteers from the 1877–1878 war
FundingBuilt with funds from the Sofia municipality, Prince Ferdinand, and donations from the Bulgarian people

Creator

ArtistArnoldo Zocchi
Architectural designNikola Lazarov participated in the monument's architectural design
Artist nationalityItalian

Discovery and provenance

Design competitionA competition for the best design of an equestrian statue of Alexander II was held at the end of the 19th century
Competition participation31 other artists from 12 countries competed; 90 artists from 15 countries showed interest, and about 120 crates of models were submitted
Competition jury meeting date20 September 1900
Competition winnerArnoldo Zocchi

History and restoration

Damage historySeverely damaged during World War II bombings
RestorationFully restored from 2012 to 2013; the equestrian statue was removed for repair
Construction completed15 September 1903
Public opening and consecration30 August 1907
Opening attendeesPrince Ferdinand I of Bulgaria, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich, Maria Pavlovna, Andrei Vladimirovich, Generals Kaulbars, Parensov, and Stoletov, and Arnoldo Zocchi
Re-unveiling3 March 2013, financed by the Russian charity foundation Pokolenie

Location and ownership

LocationCentral Sofia, Bulgaria, on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard facing the National Assembly of Bulgaria; the InterContinental hotel is behind it

Physical characteristics

StructurePedestal, middle section with figures, and a massive Neo-Renaissance cornice topped by the equestrian statue
Monument heightAbout 13 meters
Main statue height4.5 meters

Materials

Construction materialBlack polished granite from Vitosha
Main sculptural materialBronze

Appearance

Main statue subjectAlexander II seated on a horse
Bronze wreathA bronze wreath at the foot of the pedestal, donated by Romania in memory of Romanian soldiers and officers who died in the war for Bulgaria's liberation
Side sculpturesFigures of heroes of the liberation war, including Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich, Count Ignatiev, General I.V. Gurko, and General M.D. Skobelev
Front façade sculptureRussian soldier-heroes carrying the goddess Nike on their shoulders, with Bulgarian volunteers behind them
Lower side reliefsThe Battle of Stara Zagora, the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano, and the opening of the Constituent Assembly in Tarnovo
Front inscription“To the Tsar Liberator, grateful Bulgaria” in Bulgarian, in gold letters
Figure of victoryIdentified as Nike in Greek mythology and Victoria in Roman mythology