The Hill of the Wells
The name Bunardzhika comes from the Turkish word "bunar" (well or spring). In Ottoman times the hillside was dotted with wells that supplied the neighbourhood below — which is why locals also called it the "Hill of the Wells".
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Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha" (Plovdiv)
Monument of the Red Army · Bunardzhika Hill, Plovdiv
Visiting the Alyosha Monument on Bunardzhika Hill
The Alyosha Monument (officially the Monument of the Red Army, Bulgarian: Паметник на Червената армия „Альоша“) is an 11-metre-tall statue of a Soviet soldier standing on Bunardzhika Hill (Хълм „Бунарджика“), also known as the Hill of Liberators. Erected between 1954 and 1957, it is one of Plovdiv's most recognisable landmarks and offers sweeping panoramic views over the city — especially at sunset. From the monument you can also reach nearby landmarks such as the Ancient Roman Theatre and Plovdiv's Old Town, both a short walk downhill.
Visit Tips
- Free access — the monument is open 24/7, year-round.
- Allow about 20–25 minutes to walk up from the foot of the hill.
- Best time to visit is late afternoon for the sunset panorama.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the final stretch includes stairs.
Names & Aliases
- Monument of the Soviet Army "Alyosha"
- Паметник на Червената армия „Альоша“
- Soviet Monument Plovdiv / Red Army Statue Plovdiv
- Bunardzhika Hill / Hill of Liberators (Хълм „Бунарджика“)
About Bunardzhika Hill
Bunardzhika Hill (Хълм „Бунарджика“), also called the Hill of Liberators, is one of Plovdiv's historic hills. The park and the Alyosha Monument are maintained by Plovdiv Municipality as a public recreational and cultural site.
Basic Information
Official Name
Monument of the Red Army "Alyosha"
Attraction Type
Monument / Park
Google Rating
4.6 (5,284) Monument / 4.7 (4,130) Park
Contact Phone
+35932656700 (Park Administration)
Accessibility
Park paths are accessible; the final section includes stairs
Plus Code
4PVQ+G4 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Address
Bunardzhika Hill (Хълм „Бунарджика“), 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Visiting Hours
Monument Access
Open 24/7, free admission
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Pleasant weather, blooming flowers
Summer: Early morning or evening recommended
Best Time to Visit
Autumn: Mild temperatures, ideal for walks
Winter: Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Allow 1–2 hours for the round trip. Bring water and sun protection in summer.
Admission Information
Monument Access
Free (no ticket required)
Parking
Street parking at the foot of the hill
Guided Tours
No official guided tours — self-guided walk is easy
How to Get Here
From Plovdiv Old Town / Centre
From the Ancient Roman Stadium, follow Hristo G. Danov Street towards Ruski Boulevard (бул. „Руски“). After about 15 minutes of walking you reach the foot of Bunardzhika Hill; from there the park paths lead to the top in 20–25 minutes.
From Plovdiv Airport
Plovdiv Airport (PDV) is about 13 km from the city centre. Take a taxi or rental car to the foot of Bunardzhika Hill — around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. There is no direct public transport from the airport.
From the Railway & Bus Station
The Central Railway Station and Yug bus station are about 20 minutes on foot along Ruski Boulevard to the foot of the hill. Alternatively take a taxi to the park entrance (5 minutes).
By Public Transport
City buses run along Ruski Boulevard and stop near the hill (get off around Markovo Tepe shopping centre). From the stop it is a 10–15 minute walk to the park entrance.
Walking
All three approaches (from the Old Town, Tsar Simeon Garden, or the railway station) converge on the park at the foot of Bunardzhika Hill. The climb to the Alyosha Monument takes about 20–25 minutes along scenic, shaded paths.
Driving
The summit road is closed to private cars. Park on the streets around the foot of the hill and walk up the final section.
Facilities Around the Monument
Bunardzhika Hill is a public park — services on the summit are limited, but the city centre is just a short walk away. Here is an overview of the types of facilities you can expect nearby.
Public Toilets
Public restrooms are available near the monument esplanade and at the main park entrance, usually open during the warmer months.
Parking
Street parking is available on the streets around the foot of the hill. The road to the summit is closed to private cars.
Restaurants & Cafés
There are no food vendors on the summit. Restaurants, cafés and kiosks can be found at the foot of the hill and along Ruski Boulevard in the city centre.
Hotels & Guesthouses
A wide range of hotels, hostels and guesthouses is available in central Plovdiv and near the Old Town, within walking distance of the hill.
Supermarkets & Shops
Supermarkets, convenience stores and souvenir shops are located in the centre and around the Markovo Tepe shopping area close to the hill.
Fuel & EV Charging
Petrol stations are available on the main city avenues and the ring road, and some of them offer electric vehicle charging points.
This is a non-profit educational website. We do not recommend specific businesses — the list above only describes the types of facilities you can expect nearby.
Live Weather & 7-Day Forecast
Current conditions at Bunardzhika Hill in Plovdiv, refreshed automatically from the free Open-Meteo weather API.
29°C
Mainly clear
Updated 11:45
Feels like31°C
Humidity37%
Wind2 km/h
Precipitation0.0 mm
Sunrise 06:47Sunset 19:53
7-Day Forecast
Today
34°20°
5%
Thu
32°20°
13%
Fri
31°19°
3%
Sat
35°20°
0%
Sun
36°22°
0%
Mon
31°21°
0%
Tue
31°21°
0%
Data source: Open-Meteo.com · Free non-commercial weather data provided by the Open-Meteo API. Conditions can change quickly — always check local forecasts before your visit.
History, Architecture & Facts
1
History & Origins
The idea for the monument dates to the late 1940s, and construction ran from 1954 to 1957. It was unveiled in 1957, on the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution, honouring Soviet soldiers who fell during World War II. The statue was created by a team of Bulgarian sculptors including Vasil Radoslavov, Lyubomir Kotsev, Ivan Topalov and Todor Zankov.
2
Why "Alyosha"?
According to a widely told story, the monument was inspired by Aleksey (Alyosha) Skurlatov, a Soviet signalman who served in Plovdiv in 1944–1947 and befriended the locals. The affectionate nickname was spread across the USSR by the famous 1966 Soviet song "Alyosha", written about this very monument.
3
Architecture & Design
The 11-metre statue of a soldier holding a lowered submachine gun stands on a 6-metre pedestal, giving a total height of about 17 metres. The figure is made of reinforced concrete and faces east, towards the centre of Plovdiv. A long alley and stairways lead up to the wide esplanade around the monument.
4
Maintenance & Debates
After the political changes of 1989, Plovdiv repeatedly debated whether to dismantle the monument. It has remained in place and is today maintained by Plovdiv Municipality as part of Bunardzhika park. The monument is now generally read as a historical landmark and a viewpoint rather than a political statement.
Stories & Legends
Behind the stone soldier on Bunardzhika Hill there are stories of liberation, friendship and a song that made the monument famous around the world.
The 1881 Liberators' Monument
In 1881, only three years after the liberation of Plovdiv, a monument to the Russian soldiers who fell in the 1877–1878 Russo-Turkish War was raised on the hill — giving Bunardzhika its second name, the Hill of the Liberators. Decades later, in the 1950s, the old monument was removed to make way for the Alyosha Monument.
The Real "Alyosha"
In September 1944, a young Soviet soldier named Aleksey (Alyosha) Skurlatov arrived in Plovdiv with the Red Army, working to repair the Plovdiv–Sofia telephone line. He stayed for almost three years and befriended the locals. Years later, when the city decided to build a monument to the Soviet soldiers, Skurlatov's story — and his face — were chosen as the model.
The Song That Made It Famous
In 1962, Soviet composer Eduard Kolmanovsky visited Plovdiv and was deeply moved by the monument. Together with poet Konstantin Vanshenkin he wrote the song "Alyosha", released in 1966. It became a huge hit across the USSR, turning the monument in faraway Plovdiv into a symbol of the Soviet soldier for millions of people.
A Monument That Was Debated — But Stayed
After 1989, the future of the Alyosha Monument was debated in Plovdiv many times — in the city council, in the media and among citizens. Despite the discussions, the monument has never been removed. Today it serves mainly as a city landmark, a meeting point and one of the best sunset viewpoints in Plovdiv.
Recommended Route Up the Hill
A classic walk to the summit of Bunardzhika Hill and back.
1
Start at the park entrance at the foot of Bunardzhika Hill
2
Follow the main alley and stairways up through the greenery
3
Reach the esplanade with the 11-metre statue
4
Take in the 360° panorama of Plovdiv from the terrace
5
Stay for sunset or head back down the western path
Photo Gallery
Alyosha Monument & Bunardzhika Hill views
Alyosha Monument on Bunardzhika Hill, Plovdiv
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The statue and esplanade of the Alyosha Monument
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Panoramic view over Plovdiv from Bunardzhika Hill
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Alyosha Monument against the sky, Plovdiv
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Bunardzhika Hill park path leading to the monument
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Sunset viewpoint at the Alyosha Monument, Plovdiv
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Monument of the Red Army Alyosha seen from below
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Plovdiv city panorama from the Hill of Liberators
Visitor Reviews
Reviews can be viewed via Google Maps.
I
Ivan P.Impressive monument with a fantastic view over Plovdiv. The walk up is pleasant and shaded.
M
Maria K.We came for sunset — the panorama of the whole city from up here is unforgettable.
G
Georgi S.Well-kept park around the monument. Great place for a quiet walk.
E
Elena T.One of the best viewpoints in Plovdiv. The statue is much more impressive in person.
P
Peter D.Easy climb, peaceful atmosphere, and a beautiful view of the Rhodope mountains.
A
Anna M.Interesting monument with a complicated history — worth reading up before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is the Alyosha Monument free to visit?
A:
Yes. The monument and Bunardzhika Hill park are free and open to the public 24/7, year-round. There is no ticket office or entrance gate.
Q:How do I get to the Alyosha Monument from the centre of Plovdiv?
A:
From the Old Town, walk along Hristo G. Danov Street to Ruski Boulevard (бул. „Руски“), then continue to the foot of the hill — about 15 minutes. From the park entrance, all paths lead to the top in roughly 20–25 minutes.
Q:Can I drive up to the monument?
A:
No. The road to the summit is closed to private cars. You can park on the streets around the foot of Bunardzhika Hill and walk up.
Q:What is the best time to visit?
A:
Sunset is the most popular time: from the esplanade you get a golden panorama over Plovdiv, the Maritsa river and the Rhodope mountains on the horizon. Early mornings are quiet and cooler in summer.
Q:Why is the monument called "Alyosha"?
A:
Locals nicknamed the monument after the Soviet soldier Aleksey Skurlatov, who served in Plovdiv in the 1940s. The nickname became famous across the USSR thanks to the 1966 song "Alyosha".
Q:Are there stairs on the way up?
A:
Yes, parts of the path include stairways, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The total climb is moderate and takes about 20–25 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Q:Are there toilets, restaurants or shops near the monument?
A:
Facilities on the summit are limited: public toilets are usually available near the monument esplanade. For restaurants, cafés and supermarkets, walk down to the foot of the hill or into the city centre — all within 15–25 minutes on foot. Bring water and snacks for the climb.
Q:Can I visit in the evening for the sunset or the city lights?
A:
Yes, the monument is open 24/7. Arrive about 30–40 minutes before sunset to find a good spot on the esplanade. The park paths are only partly lit after dark, so bring a flashlight and watch your step on the stairs.
Sources & Further Reading
This page was compiled from the following official and reference sources. Visitor numbers and opening hours are indicative — always check the official websites before your trip.
Visit Plovdiv — The Hills of Plovdiv
Official tourist portal of Plovdiv; description of Bunardzhika Hill (Hill of the Liberators).
Visit Plovdiv — Monument to Russian Liberators
Official tourist portal; the 1881 monument that once stood on Bunardzhika Hill.
Wikipedia — Alyosha Monument
Reference article with the history, architecture and public debates.
Wikipedia — Alyosha (song)
The 1966 song by Kolmanovsky and Vanshenkin inspired by the monument.
Lost In Plovdiv — 5 Monuments on Bunardzhika Hill
Local culture portal; an overview of the monuments that have stood on the hill.
Plovdiv Municipality
Official website of Plovdiv Municipality, which maintains the park and the monument.
Map Location
Bunardzhika Hill, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plus Code: 4PVQ+G4 Plovdiv, Bulgaria