The monument dedicated to the victims of communism in Varna and the Varna district stands on Slivnitsa Blvd., in the city garden in front of the Varna City Art Gallery. It is the second monument of its kind in Bulgaria, following the one in Sofia, inaugurated on September 12, 1999.
Ideas for such a monument in Varna date back to 1992, but it was officially approved by the Mayor on May 30, 1995. Two competitions followed, and the design was awarded to architect Kosyo Hristov and sculptor Pavel Dzheferov.
Construction of the monument in the city garden in front of Varna City Art Gallery began in spring 2001. The symmetrical concrete structure has side wings clad in grey marble and a central section in black marble, giving it a temple-like silhouette. Sloping horizontal beams hold a cross atop the structure, symbolizing a temple within the universe. In the center, a brass plaque represents the vastness of space as understood by the ancient Bulgarians, and bears the inscription: “To the victims of communism.” The sculptural composition is set in a circular garden, easily accessible to visitors.
The monument was officially inaugurated on October 31, 2001. Every year on September 9, the Union of the Repressed in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Democratic Forum hold a memorial service and a gathering to honour Varna’s victims of communism
