Great cultural Park under UNESCO, built for the children of the world. "Kambanite" means "bells" in Bulgarian and this name was given to the park, given that a vast number of bells of diverse sizes from many countries are presented in the park. "The Bells" cultural monument is located 14 km eastwards from the center of Sofia, at the foot of Vitosha mountain in the Park "Kambanite". The United Nations Organization declared 1979 as the Year of the Child.
Kambanite park was established in 1979, which was declared by the United Nations as the International Year of the Child. An international children’s arts festival took place in the park between 16-25 August 1979 aiming to bring together children from all around the world. The event became known as the “Flag of Peace” International Children’s Assembly and was organized under the patronage of UNESCO under the motto “Unity, creativity, beauty”. While the event was planned as a single event, due to its success, the United Nations, UNESCO, UNICEF and the participating countries in the Assembly expressed willingness to support similar future events. A vast number of bells of diverse sizes are presented in the park, each bell being a gift from the children of particular country.
Kambanite park is located far from the city center, however you can reach it by metro - line to Business park Sofia. It is 15min away from the last...
Read moreAmazing and unique place. It was built in only 30 days for the international event "Banner of peace". 1979 was dedicated to Children and the future by the UN. Bulgaria, still with socialist government at the time, and her cultural minister Ludmila Zhivkova, started initiative to make a big international assembly of gifted children. UNESCO patroned the event and it was so big and popular that it became an annual thing in every 4 years.
The "Bells" monument holds its name from the fact that the base of the monument has 2 rows of concern bell stands. The idea was, that each country, visiting Bulgaria brought a bell, whey they came to the assembly. There are several really old ones. And some are enormous. Also in the middle there is a place with 11 bells on the top of the structure, that can play a whole concert.
The monument is situated in a big park, that has plant and three species from all over the world and is very beautiful.
The monument was meant for demolition in 1996, but locals from the nearby neighborhoods saved it. All the bells were removed then, but after 2000, they returnd them and new ones started to gather. The Pope gave one on his visit.
The monument was in bad shape, but a civil initiative Save Sofia gathered money and renovated it. Now it looks as good as new and is a great...
Read moreThe Right to Learn.
The history from this place could of had a direct impact on how you were raised. As the events held here contributed massively to the creation of the convention relating to the rights of the child.
The site of the monument can be a nice site to visit as it is well maintained and has a lot of history linked to it.
If you want to be surrounded by laughter and children making a racket ringing bells. Go after 10am as the schools take the children here on trips. If you want a quieter experience. Go earlier.
The different design of the bells are beautifully crafted and true to their country of origin.
There is parking nearby, if walking you will need to walk on the road for a bit.
The site is nice but the area outside of the monument is a dirty wasteland.
If you want to learn more about the history of this place, check out my Yt channel : Budget...
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