Public Discussion in Burgas for a Monument to Vasil Levski: Location, Design and Fundraising Campaign

The location and composition of a project to build a monumental monument to Vasil Levski in Burgas sparked a discussion during a public discussion held in the meeting hall of Burgas Municipality. The initiative of the "Proud Bulgarians" Foundation envisions the creation of a large-scale complex, as the city currently has only a bust monument of the Apostle in the Sea Garden.

The initiative is supported by a petition with over 1000 like-minded people. According to Todor Todorov from the foundation, the goal is for Burgas, like other large Bulgarian cities, to have a monument that corresponds to the historical significance of Levski.

The artistic project for the future monument is the work of sculptor Radostin Damaskov. It envisions a bronze figure of the Apostle with a height – together with the pedestal – of over five meters and a separate figure of a lion with a height of 3.60 meters. The complex will include artistic lighting and an eternal flame, and the surrounding area is also planned to be completely improved. The estimated cost of the realization is over 426,000 BGN, which will be raised through a donation campaign.

The focus of the debate during the meeting in the Municipality was the location of the monument. The administration and the foundation propose the space in the garden between the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior and the Ivan Vazov Electrical Engineering School next to Hristo Botev Boulevard. Velina Dimitrova from the foundation emphasized the symbolism of the place where Vasil Levski and Hristo Botev streets intersect. This position was also supported by the deputy mayor for culture and religious affairs, Diana Savateva, with the argument that the urban environment outside the ideal center also needs aesthetic enrichment. At the same time, the author of the sculpture, Radostin Damaskov, defined the chosen place as not communicative enough and shared his initial idea for the monument to be located on the pedestrian street "Alexandrovska".

Criticism of the artistic design was expressed by architect Ivaylo Milkov. According to him, the current composition is "torn", as he recommended that the figure of Levski and the lion be placed on a common pedestal for better architectural integrity. He also expressed reservations about the suitability of the proposed location.

The chairman of the Municipal Council, Mihail Hadjiianev, assured that all opinions will be taken into account when making the final decision on the realization of the initiative.

BTA reminds that the first bust of Vasil Levski in Burgas is located in the Sea Garden. It was ceremoniously opened in 1938 on the initiative of the local sports club "Levski" and was built with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture. There is also a monument to the Apostle in the courtyard of the Vasil Levski High School for Foreign Languages in the sea city.