Art and bravery at the Pleven Panorama

Throughout its long history, Bulgaria has had many ups and downs and has proven as a brave nation, and as a country where persistence pays off. Among Bulgaria`s many stories about epic battles and bravery is the one about the Pleven Epopee. This momentous event, perhaps one of the most important in the history of my country, took place in 1877 and was commemorated with a monument-building, called the Pleven Panorama. The building is now an art museum, dedicated to preserving the memory of the war battles. In this way, history brings art closer to reality. 

What led to building the Panorama? 

In August 1877, there was a war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, in which a lot of Bulgarians, Romanians, Greeks and Serbs took part on the side of Russia, trying to help free their countries from the Ottoman rule. A decisive battle took place at Shipka Peak, and the other important one was in Pleven. The liberation of Pleven meant that Bulgaria was free from the Ottoman rule after being 5 centuries in a state similar to slavery. The Panorama was built by Bulgarian and Russian artists on the 100th anniversary of the events in Pleven, commemorating the bravery of the soldiers. 

Where to find it

Pleven is located in northern Bulgaria, about 160km from the capital, Sofia, and about 300km from Varna and the seaside.  You can find the Pleven Panorama in Skobelev Park, in the town suburbs. The place is a site of 3 actual major battles from the war. Skobelev was the surname of the general who was leading the army in the winning battle. 

The Panorama in Pleven

парк, Skobelev Park, 5804 Skobelev, Pleven, Bulgaria

What to see here

The building is made to look like its base lays on 3 bayonets. The bayonets carry 4 horizontal rings. The 1st one symbolizes the siege of Pleven, while the other 3 signify each of the battles which took place here. There are two panorama-sites in the building, from which you can see the surroundings, including the actual places where the battles took place. Inside the museum, there aren’t just paintings, but also uniforms, guns, personal belongings of the general, documents and treaties. 

The place itself is a living memory of a period, significant not only for Bulgaria`s butalso for the Balkan's and Europe`s history. 

When you visit the Pleven Panorama, see the art - paintings and objects from that time, and learn about their history, you make room in your mind for the history of the place. In this way, the people who gave their life in the Russo-Turkish war are not forgotten and they continue to live through the centuries. If you feel like learning more about the bravery of Bulgarians, check out the story of Shipka peak!