Sofia is probably unique in Europe in being the only capital which can boast a decaying pile of junk as one of its major downtown focal points. Unveiled in 1981 to mark the 1300th anniversary of the founding of the Bulgarian state, this unimaginably shoddy memorial is an eloquent metaphor for much that has happened in Bulgaria in the intervening 25 years. It was barely a decade old when it started falling to bits, and the question of who should pay for its refurbishment (or demolition) has been the object of inconclusive bickering ever since. An angular piece of modern sculpture with statues emerging absurdly from its summit, the monument has long been the object of popular scorn - “the seven-angled thing with five pricks” being the most enduring of its many nicknames. Currently surrounded by hoardings to prevent bits of it from falling on the heads of passers by, its future remains uncertain.
Monument to the Bulgarian State comments
- Avanti - Sofia
Oh my God...I totally agree! I'm so happy that someone else too has articulated the fact! When I first moved to Sofia, I was shocked and appalled by the utterly ugly monument I was proudly shown by the locals...contrary to your comment above!! I can't imagine why a country would be so hell bent on celebrating such an auspicious occasion with a heap of ugly junk!!!
June
2010