🛸 Bulgaria’s UFO-Like Monument You Have to See to Believe

Hi travel enthusiasts 👋

Rising out of the Stara Planina mountains like a scene from a sci-fi film, the Buzludzha Monument is one of the most fascinating and surreal sites in Bulgaria.

Nicknamed the “UFO of the Balkans,” this abandoned communist-era structure is a magnet for photographers, history buffs, and curious travelers.

The monument ranks 25th on the list of Most Beautiful Abandoned Places in the World.

⭐️ A Brief History of the Monument

Built by the Communist Party to commemorate its creation, the Buzludzha monument was opened to the public on August 23, 1981. The monument consists of a 42-meter-wide domed hall and a 70-meter-high pylon outside, adorned by two five-pointed red stars. 

The decorative mosaics covered a total area of 550 square meters. They depicted the battles that the Communist Party had fought, and periods of building the socialist society. The largest images were those of Lenin and Marx - the two most renowned communist leaders.

📸 Nowadays

After the Communist party’s downfall, the monument was left unattended. Due to harsh weather and vandalism, the roof and most of the mosaics are in a bad condition. But there is a project to restore its glory and open it to the public once again.

While entry isn’t currently allowed due to upcoming renovations, the monument remains breathtaking from the outside, especially at sunrise or against dramatic mountain skies. It’s a powerful symbol of Bulgaria’s 20th-century past, wrapped in mystery and unforgettable views.

🚗 How to Visit

You can explore one of the most bizarre abandoned buildings in the world with a day tour from the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. Or you can request to add Buzludzha as part of your Balkan adventure.

Don’t miss experiencing this iconic landmark.

Adriana from Private Guide Bulgaria