A hotel in central Haskovo

The monument is a 350-metre walk from Hotel RETRO and was inaugurated in 2003 with a blessing by Metropolitan Arseniy. It entered Guinness World Records in 2005 and has been among Bulgaria’s 100 National Tourist Sites since 2009. The statue was created by Petyo Aleksandrov, Nikola Stoyanov and their team. Made of polymer concrete, it weighs 120 tonnes. The monument’s total height is 32.8 metres, and its base houses the Nativity of the Virgin chapel. Yamacha Hill, where the statue stands, offers a captivating panorama of the entire city. The monument was funded entirely by donations from the people of Haskovo. The choice of symbol was no coincidence: the Mother of God has always been considered the city’s patroness. Throughout its long history, the Nativity of the Virgin has been one of its greatest feast days. By a Municipal Council decision, 8 September also became Haskovo Day.

The nearly 30-metre bell tower was built in 2010 just a few metres from the Monument of the Holy Mother of God. It quickly became part of the architectural ensemble in Yamacha Park and an attraction for residents, visitors and tourists. Eight bells of different sizes are installed at the top. Together they weigh more than one tonne, and their chimes can be heard every day at precisely 12:00 and 18:00.

Haskovo’s clock tower was built in the early 19th century as a symbol of the city and its economic growth. For reasons unknown, the Municipal Council decided to demolish it in 1913. On 8 September 2012, Haskovo’s municipal leadership broke ground for its reconstruction. One year later, again on the city’s feast day, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Haskovo regained one of its symbols. The rebuilt tower is 23 metres tall and constructed from dressed Uzundzhovo stone. At the top are three clock faces and an electronic mechanism synchronised by GPS, while a bell marks the passing hours. The bell comes from Whitechapel Foundry, which also produced the bell of Big Ben, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, the bells for the London Olympics and those for Queen Elizabeth II’s jubilee. Founded in 1570, Whitechapel was listed in Guinness World Records as Britain’s oldest foundry. Haskovo’s old clock tower was rebuilt entirely with donations.

Bulgarian Icarus was unveiled in 2014 on Svoboda Square. Its creator, Gospodin Tenev, known as Guspata, depicts the desire to fly through outstretched wings held back by two hands. The three-metre bronze sculpture offers an unusual theme for a city walk. This unique work was cast in bronze, weighs one tonne and stands three metres tall.

Archaeological and historical collections explore Haskovo and its region. A cultural stop in the city, including on a rainy day.

A Bulgarian Revival house with distinctive architecture and fine interior details. A choice for guests interested in historic homes; confirm visiting arrangements in advance.

Add a theatre evening to your stay in Haskovo. Find the current programme and ticket information on the official website.

Two places to discover art in Haskovo. Check current exhibitions and the address of your chosen gallery on the official website.

For municipal services and administrative assistance. Check the relevant office and opening hours before visiting.

Address: 1 Obshtinski Square, Haskovo

Useful information for administrative visits. Find current contacts and services on the official website.

The district and regional courts have separate official websites. Check the court and office relevant to your visit.

Address: 144 Bulgaria Boulevard, Haskovo

A separate address from the courthouse. Check contacts and opening hours on the official website.

Address: 26 Preslav Street, Haskovo

Yamacha Park was created between 1958 and 1970. Its 50 hectares lie in southern Haskovo on one of the first hills of the Eastern Rhodopes. At the entrance stands the Monument of the Holy Mother of God, listed in Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest statue of the Virgin Mary. Beside it rises a 29-metre bell tower with viewing platforms on three successive levels, offering residents and tourists beautiful city views. In addition to the Nativity of the Virgin chapel beneath the statue, the nearby Holy Ascension chapel is also worth noting. The park has picnic areas, sports grounds and playgrounds, as well as Haskovo’s largest stadium. From its central area, where a large Bulgarian flag flies on a tall pole, there is a wonderful view of the city and its surroundings. The park is richly planted with different tree species, ornamental shrubs and flower-lined paths. It attracts residents and visitors who want to enjoy beautiful nature and impressive views, walk or exercise outdoors.

Walk through city squares and landmarks. Combine the clock tower and Bulgarian Icarus with a short break.

A short outdoor break during your city walk. A convenient stop between other central sights.

A green escape along the paths of Haskovo’s popular forest park, ideal for a relaxed walk and outdoor time with friends or family.

The tomb’s murals are unique and relatively well preserved. Its architecture is equally impressive. The burial mound at Roshavata Chuka is 15 metres high and more than 70 metres in diameter. A 15-metre corridor leads from the eastern entrance to a rectangular chamber measuring 1.92 × 1.5 metres. Beyond it is a circular chamber 3.30 metres in diameter and 3.40 metres high. Its bell-shaped vault starts at floor level. A stone bed along its southern edge was destroyed in antiquity.

The Church of the Assumption in Uzundzhovo stands out for its architecture and history. A rewarding stop outside the city to discover local heritage.

Ritual activity on the rocky summit began as early as the 5th millennium BC and was connected with the Sun God worship of Copper Age communities. They established the first sanctuary here and placed vessels of food for the gods.

The rock-cut archaeological complex near Kardzhali is an option for a separate day trip in the region. Bring comfortable shoes and water, and allow time for climbing over uneven ground.

A day outside Haskovo for relaxation and exploring the area. Check arrangements at your chosen venue in advance.