The Statue of Milyo the Crazy, Plovdiv

The Statue of Milyo the Crazy is one of the city's most iconic and Instagram-worthy landmarks. Visitors and locals alike flock to the cascading water stairs adorned with the word "Together," where they often pause by the bronze statue seated casually to one side. Legend has it that if you whisper your wishes into the monument's ear, they will come true. But who is Milyo, and why is his likeness immortalized in this prominent spot in the City under the Hills?

Milyo Ludia, known as the Plovdiv Bohemian, is one of the most renowned jesters in the city's history. Born as Mihail Dimitrov Todorov, he is now remembered not by his birth name but by his eccentricity and amiable nature. The people of Plovdiv have differing opinions about the cause of his mental instability. Some believe that his intellect, coupled with his ability to speak multiple languages, led to his madness due to excessive reading. Another, more plausible, version suggests that he suffered from meningitis as a child, which hindered his mental development.

Milyo was the subject of various legends, some of which highlighted his perceived virility. He was a familiar face to everyone on Main Street, where he often playfully teased young girls and engaged in light-hearted banter. Unfortunately, not everyone treated him kindly, and he occasionally became the target of cruel jokes. It is said that he passed away in poverty, succumbing to the flu.

The sculpture was crafted by the skilled artist Danko Danev. The location was chosen because Milyo frequently sat on the stairs above Main Street, observing passersby. Today, it has become a beloved resting spot and a popular selfie location, adorned with the tag of the European Capital of Culture 2019.