Buzludzha Monument and the Museum of Socialist Art

Overview

Available languages

English

10 hours

Mobile ticket

In this one day tour, you will have the chance to get acquainted with the communist period (socialistic period) in Bulgaria. The socialistic republic of Bulgaria existed from 1946 until 1989. This is one of the most controversial parts of modern history. But one thing is for sure - like any other political system, communism (socialism) bequeathed us both things that we would like to forget and others that we can admire.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

We understand your concerns in relation to COVID 19, therefore we've taken the needed measures for you to feel safe. All our guides and drivers go through regular medical checks, wear masks during the tours and in each vehicle, we have a disinfectant spray. Furthermore due to the situation nowadays we organize tours only for small groups (up to 7 persons) and we have the option for private tours.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Museum of Socialist Art

Our trip will start with pick up from your hotel at 09:30. First, we will visit the Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia. There we will have the chance to see over 70 works of monumental sculpture, exhibited in a park covering 7,500 sq.m. On a special pedestal, the large five-pointed star that once crowned the former Party House in the center of Sofia is on display. If the day of your trip is Monday we are replacing the museum with another astonishing Communist monument- the Bells Park. It was constructed in 1979 by the daughter of the last Communist leader of Bulgaria by the initiative called "The flag of peace". Children from both sides of The Iron curtain were meeting each other and making bells which are presented in the park.

1 hour • Admission Included

Buzludzha Monument

When we finish our walk in the museum we will continue the trip to our next destination - Buzludzha monument, which is one of the most notable from the socialist period After approximately a 3-hour scenic drive we will reach Buzludzha monument. It was erected in 1981 to commemorate socialism. Work on the monument began in 1974 and was undertaken by units of the Bulgarian Army assisted by numerous artisans responsible for the large statues and murals. After the government’s fall from power in 1989, the site was abandoned and left open to vandalism.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

Local taxes

Transport by private vehicle

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Special offer

Pickup included

Communist day tour - Landmarks of the Iron curtain

Pickup included

Reviews

4.80

25 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Buzludzha and Socialist Museum
Marco T,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic experience, helpful and friendly guide and that answered all our curiosities. At the summit it snowed a lot, we arrived during a blizzard but the difficult climb was worth the experience!
Cool monuments but long drive
Marta K,,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The monuments were definitely worth seeing. It was a Monday and the museum was closed, so we stopped by the Thracian tombs instead. Maria, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour, just note that it's 3 hours of driving each way. It was a rainy day when I went, so being able to see the countryside from the car worked out well.
Excellent tour!
erickmauriciov582,,Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Everything was perfect. The museum of socialist art is only an exhibition of statues from the communist period and a film-documentary about some moments from that same time. It's really interesting if you're attracted to this kind of historical question. As for the Buzludzha Monument, it was amazing! The place is amazing and imposing, and the view around is just beautiful. As for Todor as a guide, he is very good and friendly. He was punctual in picking me up, drives properly and is someone attentive to any request to buy food, water or go to the bathroom. He is also a person who knows too much about history, it was very enriching to talk to him. 100% recommended!!
Excellent guide, very beautiful
Nathan D,,Feb 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The guide was very knowledgeable about the history of Bulgaria and was also very friendly. Couldn’t recommend this trip enough!
Worth seeing
19kerryng,,Oct 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Daniel the tour guide was great, making really interesting conversation providing up close stories of the politics and culture at play overtime. Definitely worth seeing the monument if you are interested in architecture, engineering or communism especially because it might not survive too much longer. It is a long drive though.
Sadly, the language barrier was a significant drawback
WayfaringLibertarian,,Sep 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
I really wanted to enjoy this day trip, but the reality is that I received no educational value from it - at all. Our tour guide was as nice as could be, so it doesn’t feel good to be critical, but his accent made learning anything from him unbearably difficult. My friend and I took this trip on a rainy day, which wasn’t ideal. But, the weather was less of a drawback than our guide’s difficult accent. The trip was advertised on TripAdvisor as having a 9:30am pickup and starting with a trip to the Museum of Socialist Art. Well, it ended up having an 8am pickup and we went straight to the Buzludzha Monument. Patrons should know in advance what their accurate itinerary will be, so I didn’t appreciate this discrepancy. It was a long journey to the Buzludzha Monument and one with little educational commentary. We were told that the commentary would commence once we reached the monument, but it was honestly so difficult to understand that it provided no value to us. The lunch stop was affordable and delicious, so that was appreciated. I also really appreciated that our guide waited as we watched the ~25-minute film at the Museum of Socialist Art. The “museum” was more of an exhibition of art, but it was still enjoyable — especially the outdoor portion. To summarize, our guide was patient and kind, but English-speaking tourists expect more clarity when it comes to the accent of their guide. I’d be lying if I said I was 100% satisfied with how the day went.
Superb!
Sylwia J,,Sep 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
For anyone interested in Brutalist architecture, I cannot recommend this tour highly enough - it's an absolute must-do! The tour guide was exceptional. Despite being the only participant, the tour went ahead and benefited from the guide's extensive knowledge. He shared fascinating insights about communism, daily life of Bulgarian citizens, and the rich cultural heritage of the country. As the Museum of Communist Arts was closed on the day of my trip, my guide quickly adapted the itinerary and we visited The Bells Monument instead. An unexpected highlight was our ride through the Valley of the Thracian Kings. I learned about Bulgaria's oldest civilization and had the opportunity to see their ancient burial grounds. A surprising fact I discovered was that Spartacus, the famous gladiator, was actually of Thracian origin - essentially Bulgarian! The tour seamlessly blended architectural marvels, historical insights, and natural beauty. From the imposing Buzludzha monument to the lush Bulgarian landscapes, every moment was captivating.
A Great Guide! Luckily...
capsicum0620,,Sep 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
...because the monument was drowned in fog when we arrived. This seems to be very often the case... Fortunately, Rosen, our Guide turned out to be a Guide filled with passion and knowledge. Having lived under the communist yoke, he was able to describe in detail, and with emotion, the infernal daily life of this period. Chilling and very educational.
Great trip to iconic ruin
Explore19088731648,,Aug 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great day at interesting places .Elian was a fantastic guide and driver and very knowledgable .lunch stop was nice .well worth the drive
Great day with better views
Austin S,,May 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great tour, our guide was fantastic she was very knowledgeable about not only the tour but any questions I had along the way. Made for a fantastic experience and an amazing day seeing the countryside. The buzdluzha is well worth it, the photos do not do it justice it's an incredible building and the views from the mountain are unbelievable as well