Communism left its mark not only on minds and lives, but also on architecture. Massive buildings with their distinctive features still serve as reminders of this era. One such monument to the “red” power is the Bulgarian “flying saucer” on the Bulgarian mountain of Buzludzha.
Space communism
The unusually shaped structure is visible for many kilometers around and stands just 12 kilometers from the Shipka Pass. Construction began in 1974, and everyone who cared took part in it. The monument was opened in 1981 as a tribute to the Bulgarian Communist Party. The location was not chosen by chance: it was there that Haji Dimitar’s detachment perished, back when the Bulgarian lands had not yet freed themselves from the power of the Ottoman Empire. The construction proceeded on a grand scale, and the budget for the entire building, which stands 171 meters tall, amounted to 25 million leva (almost $400 million). The money was provided not only by the government, but also by donations from ordinary citizens.
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The “plate” became the setting for the most joyful moments in the lives of people of that time: here they were accepted as pioneers, marked every achievement of the Comintern, and received dignitaries. This shrine of the Bulgarian Communists was known throughout Europe, inspiring delight and admiration.
Today, the building on top of Hadji Dimitra has already lost its status, and the new generation does not even suspect that every Communist in the country once considered it his duty to visit this place. The Bulgarian Socialist Party still holds celebrations here on July 20, and history enthusiasts gladly make pilgrimages here to see the plate with their own eyes.
The flying saucer that may disappear
Over the past few decades, the former communist Mecca has literally been pulled apart brick by brick. All the decorative items, electrical cables and valuables have been carried off by looters, although the portraits of Marx, Engels and Lenin still hang silently on the walls with reproachful looks. Time gives no quarter to the building, and the process of destruction is well underway.
Getting to the historical monument is not so easy, especially since no one has used the path for a long time. Almost all the exits from the building have been walled up by workers who come to Buzludja from time to time. There are rumors that the building could be restored and turned into a museum, but they have received no official confirmation.
It should be noted that the plate itself is not the only point of interest; there is also the 70-meter stele located nearby. Further still stands the above-mentioned Shipka monument, another communist object, though not an abandoned one, unlike Buzludzhi.
Vandals have painted the walls of the building and left behind piles of garbage. Looking at this, sealing up all the openings seems reasonable. One can only guess how much time will pass before the triumphant restoration or the complete decline of the communist shrine.
Photos from the source.