The monument was commissioned by the former mayor of Haskovo, Georgi Ivanov, and designed by sculptors Petyo Aleksandrov and Nikola Stoyanov.
It was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in 2004.
The base of the statue contains a functional chapel featuring traditional iconostasis and frescoes.
The statue is illuminated at night, making it a prominent beacon overlooking the city.
The project was funded entirely through individual and corporate donations.
The Monument of the Holy Mother of God is a 32-meter-tall statue located on the Yamacha Hill in Haskovo, Bulgaria. It holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest monument of the Virgin Mary. The structure consists of a 17-meter statue perched atop a 15-meter pedestal. Inside the base of the pedestal, there is a small Eastern Orthodox chapel dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The statue was constructed from polymer concrete and weighs approximately 120 tons. It was inaugurated on September 8, 2003, to coincide with the Nativity of the Theotokos. The monument serves as a central symbol of Haskovo and is visible from almost any point in the city.
From the base of the pedestal looking upward, or from the lower park paths on Yamacha Hill for a full-body perspective.
Visit during the golden hour to capture the statue illuminated against the sunset.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the monument is located on a hill requiring a brief walk from the parking area.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby 30-meter-high Bell Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Do not attempt to hike up the hill from the city center during peak midday heat in summer.
Maintain a quiet demeanor inside the chapel; modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is expected.
