Park-Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship, Varna

The Monument to Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship was designed to resemble a bird of peace facing out across the sea towards the USSR (at least, in symbolic terms; in reality it is angled more towards Ankara in Turkey). Its features depict four Russian soldiers aiding three Bulgarian women. These seven statues, measuring 11 meters in height, hold gifts representing hospitality and Bulgaria's national flower, the rose.

Weathered metal letters once proclaimed "Friendship for centuries throughout centuries" on its facade, now faded. A wide 'Staircase of Victors,' totaling 305 steps, leads to the monument, flanked by over 20,000 trees representing fallen Soviet soldiers.

Proposed in 1958, the monument commemorates Russia's aid during the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-29. Construction began in 1974 on the site of a former Russian encampment, later a mass grave. Sculpted by Varna artists Alyosha Kafedzhiiski and Eugene Barumov, the colossal figures atop Crane Hill stand as a testament to history. Inaugurated in 1978, it once illuminated the sea, a proof to Soviet-Bulgarian friendship.