Monument "Arch of Freedom" — Attraction in Troian

Near the Troyan Pass is the monument Arch of Freedom on Mount Goraltepe (1595m), located 15 minutes east of the highest point of the pass Beklemeto. It is a massive concrete structure with a height of 35 meters. Although the pass was not among the most important points in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation, much less in the events of the Soviet army's entry into Bulgaria in September 1944, the arch is dedicated to "Russian and Soviet liberators."

It can be reached by a narrow and asphalt road, on the south side of the ridge, passing through the Kostov Polugar area. The arch depicts bas-reliefs of Bulgarian outlaws, guerrillas (ie rebels from different eras), as well as Russian and Soviet soldiers. They were greeted symbolically with bread and salt by women in Bulgarian folk costumes, respectively in 1878 and 1944, which are clearly visible on the north side of the arch. The monument is on a site from which to the north you can see the valleys of Beli Osam and Troyan, and to the south there is a view of Sredna Gora, the Rhodopes and Rila, and in the other two directions - east and west - you can see the most famous peaks of Stara mountain, including the...

Insane yet stunning drive to the very top of the monument. Just please use extra caution because it’s very steep with opposing traffic and no guard rails on a one car road, it’s not for the faint of heart like myself.

If it’s a busy day, I would just recommend parking near the bottom then hike up the short yet steep trail to the top so you can REALLY appreciate the views.

Absolutely must see if you’re driving through. You also have to grab a jar of shipka (rosehip) jam that’s sold by the...

Amazing place to visit. We were there just when the wheather was about to change, and it was pretty cold at the top. Literally, the clouds were in our feet. Amazing view, from it.

The flock of sheeps was going around the blueberry bushes, trying to find some young green grass around...

Also there were some Italian cars GATHERING right beneath the Arc, and it was funny to be with a German one instead.

Really great place, will visit it again. Panoramic views are...