Establishing a Key State Body for Cultural Heritage

The Council of Ministers of socialist Bulgaria takes a strategic step in the field of cultural preservation by establishing the National Institute for Cultural Monuments (NICM). This state body receives an extremely important mission - systematic documentation and protection of the country's historical heritage.

The newly created institute has broad powers to identify, scientifically research, and restore immovable cultural monuments. Its experts carry out extensive work in mapping and valorizing architectural ensembles, archaeological sites, and historical landmarks.

Thanks to the targeted efforts of specialists, hundreds of Bulgarian sites have been officially recognized as cultural values. Some of them have even been awarded the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status.

The institute has undergone various transformations after the political changes of 1990. Since 2009, it has been functioning under the name "National Institute for Immovable Cultural Heritage" (NIICH), continuing its mission to preserve national memory.

In its current form, the organization plays a key role in preserving the cultural identity and historical continuity of the Bulgarian nation.