The Pleven Panorama – One of the Symbols of the City
From the history of Bulgaria, we’ve all heard about the Pleven Epic of 1877, which is uniquely tied to the city and stands as one of Pleven’s main symbols.
If you happen to find yourself in this city, are passing through, or simply love traveling and exploring different places, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Pleven Panorama.
We also suggest you consider a comfortable place to stay if you plan to take a few days off. If you’re just there for a short visit, make sure to stop by one of the restaurants in Pleven to recharge before continuing your journey.
The Pleven Panorama “Pleven Epic 1877” is one of a kind. It is a monument that, by size and fame, is unique on the Balkan Peninsula. Its construction began at the end of the 20th century, and in 1977, on the 100th anniversary of the liberation of the city from Ottoman rule, it opened its doors to visitors.
The monument is built directly on the battlefield, on the outskirts of Skobelev Park-Museum, in the southwestern part of the city.
The years 1877–1878 are memorable for Pleven and Bulgarian history – a turning point for Russians, Bulgarians, and Turks alike.
The construction of the monument lasted exactly 11 months. The final structure is a truncated cone with four stylized bayonets. Around each cone passes a ring that encircles the building horizontally. This shape symbolizes the three assaults on the city, while the ring represents the blockade.
The Panorama has a total of four halls: the introductory hall, the panoramic hall, the diorama hall, and the final hall. The introductory hall features six paintings (each 3.6 by 4 meters), vividly illustrating scenes from the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78.
The panoramic hall has a diameter of 40 meters. Its walls depict dramatic events from the third assault on Pleven. The atmosphere is recreated so vividly that visitors feel transported back in time. Along with authentic weapons and objects, effects such as simulated fire and smoke help convey the full intensity of that era.
In the diorama hall, which is smaller than the panoramic one, there is a single canvas depicting the final moments of the battle for Pleven, which took place in the Valley of the Vit River on December 10, 1877. The canvas measures 5 by 17 meters.
In the final hall, visitors can see two paintings – one of the surrender of Osman Pasha, and another of the crossing of the Balkan Mountains in winter by the Russian army.
The Panorama is a unique tribute to the events surrounding the liberation of the city from Ottoman rule, but it’s not the only thing worth seeing in Pleven. If you have more time, stop by some of Pleven’s beautiful parks.
