Monument to Tsar Kaloyan

Kaloyan or Kalojan, also known as Ivan I, Ioannitsa, or Johannitsa, was emperor or tsar of Bulgaria. He was the younger brother of Theodor and Asen, who led the Bulgarian and Vlach anti-Byzantine insurrection in 1185. Bulgaria was restored as an independent state at the end of the rebellion.

The frescoes painted surrounding the monument’s base depict significant historical parts of Tsar Kaloyan reign and how he dealt with them, including the siege of Varna and dealing with the Church of Rome and the Crusaders.

Observant viewers will notice that just one hoof of the horse is in the air; this, in urban legend jargon, indicates that he did not die in combat but may have died as a result of war wounds.

The monument was designed by a Veliko Tarnovoa and the construction team consists of architect Milen Marinov, sculptors Boris Borisov and Konstantinov, and around 100 individuals were involved in the project’s implementation. The monument was produced in Sofia and is composed of brass. Its height exceeds 8 meters.