CHIPKA PASS (ШИПЧЕНСКИ ПРОХОД)

One of the main roads through the Balkan passes through the Chipka Pass (1,150m), connecting the south and the north of the country. It is a spectacular place for its view. At the pass, one can easily hike and admire the landscape. Near the pass:

Chipka Battle Memorial (Паметника Шипка). This dark behemoth built in 1934 does not go unnoticed. It was built in memory of the series of clashes between Russians and Turks in 1877 and 1878 that saw hundreds of deaths. The view is breathtaking. Not to be missed, at least for the splendid view.

The Buzludzha Monument (Паметника Бузлуджа) is a reinforced concrete monster built in 1981 to glorify the communist party. Abandoned since the fall of communism, it looks like a flying saucer perched on the mount. The Buzludzha monument is a place to visit for thrill seekers. You can enter and climb to the top (70 meters)... at your own risk!

The Russian church: At the foot of the pass, on the southern slope not far from the town of Chipka, is nestled in the trees the beautiful monastery of Chipka. It was built in memory of the Russian soldiers who died in the battle. Its five golden bulbs can be seen for miles around, and on a clear day, it is possible to see the valley of roses from the monastery.

All in all, a superb pass not to be missed, both for the view it offers and for the monuments to be discovered.