Monument of the Holy Mother of God | Haskovo

Information

Landmark: Monument of the Holy Mother of God
City: Haskovo
Country: Bulgaria
Continent: Europe

Monument of the Holy Mother of God, Haskovo, Bulgaria, Europe

The Monument of the Holy Mother of God is a religious architectural complex situated on Yamacha Hill in the southern sector of Haskovo. It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary with the Infant Jesus in the world.

Visual Characteristics

The monument consists of a 14-meter-tall bronze-and-concrete statue resting on a 17-meter-tall granite-clad pedestal, reaching a total height of 31 meters. The figure is depicted in traditional white and blue ecclesiastical colors. The interior of the pedestal houses a small chapel, while the exterior features a staircase leading to a viewing platform at the base of the statue.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at the peak of Yamacha Hill and is accessible via Saedinenie Boulevard or Panayot Hitov Street. A paved road leads to a dedicated parking area at the base of the monument. From the Haskovo city center, it is a 15-minute uphill walk. Public transit is limited, but taxis provide frequent service from the central bus and railway stations.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The monument was commissioned by the Haskovo Municipality and designed by a team led by sculptor Petyo Aleksandrov. Construction was completed in 2003, and it was officially unveiled on September 8th, the Day of the Nativity of the Mother of God. The site sits on a volcanic rock formation overlooking the Haskovo valley, part of the eastern Rhodope Mountains foothills.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can enter the Chapel of the Nativity of the Mother of God located within the base of the monument. The viewing platform at the foot of the statue offers a 360-degree panorama of Haskovo and the surrounding Rhodope landscape. A 30-meter-tall Bell Tower, constructed in 2010 adjacent to the statue, is also open for climbing to its observation deck.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex includes a visitor information center, a gift shop selling religious icons, and public restrooms. The surrounding park area features paved walkways, lighting, and benches. 5G cellular signal is strong throughout the site. Basic food vendors and cafes are located at the entrance of the Yamacha Park, 200 meters from the monument.

Best Time to Visit

Photography is optimal during the late afternoon (16:00–18:00) when the setting sun illuminates the front of the statue. The site is particularly crowded on September 8th during the city's official holiday. The monument is illuminated by powerful floodlights at night, making it visible from several kilometers away.

Facts & Legends

The monument was funded entirely through donations from the citizens of Haskovo. A local "secret" is the specific weight of the statue-it exceeds 80 tons. Since its completion, the city has experienced a significant increase in religious tourism, and local tradition holds that the monument serves as a protector of the city against natural disasters.