Mihail Koloni (1817–1893) was one of the most significant figures in the development of Varna. He actively supported the national liberation movement and was a public figure inspired by European ideas, as well as a merchant and a philanthropist.
He was elected mayor of Varna twice and played a major role in shaping the modern city. During his tenure, numerous projects were carried out in the fields of sanitation, education, culture, and tourism. On his initiative, work began on the creation of city parks, including the Sea Garden, which at the time was only a planting field and later became Varna’s most famous landmark.
During his tenure, the Cathedral of the Holy Assumption was completed and the “St. Kliment Ohridski” High School was built. Varna’s first chief architect, Sava Dimitrievich, was appointed, and in 1885 the City Attorney’s Department was established. A maternity hospital and a municipal hospital were also founded, significantly improving public health services in the city.
The sculpture is a bronze portrait figure created by sculptor Zhivko Donchev with the financial support of Varna Municipality. It is located on Mihail Koloni Street, near Exarch Yosif Square, also known as Shishkova Garden.
