The monument was officially inaugurated in 1978 to mark the centenary of the April Uprising.
The total height of the arch reaches 35 meters, making it highly visible against the mountain skyline.
It is constructed from reinforced concrete, characteristic of the monumental architecture style common in Bulgaria during the 1970s.
The monument serves as a landmark at the highest point of the Troyan-Karnare road, which is often snow-covered until late spring.
The sculptural compositions were created by a team of artists led by sculptor Sekul Krumov.
The pass where the monument stands, Beklemeto, was an important military point for the Russian army during the 1877-1878 war.
The Arch of Freedom is a massive concrete monument situated atop the Troyan Pass in the Central Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria. Standing at an altitude of 1,520 meters, it commemorates the April Uprising of 1876 and the subsequent Russian-Turkish War. The structure features two towering concrete figures symbolizing Bulgarian haiduks and Russian soldiers. Bas-reliefs carved directly into the concrete portray scenes of historical rebellion and liberation. The site marks the strategic Beklemeto pass, a historic route used since Roman times to traverse the Balkan range. It remains one of the largest socialist-era monumental works in the country. Visitors can access the interior of the arch via a staircase to reach a viewing platform. The monument is part of a wider regional complex dedicated to the history of the National Revival period.
From the base of the monument looking upward to capture the scale of the concrete figures against the sky.
Bring a windbreaker even in summer, as the high-altitude pass is subject to constant, strong winds.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the area around the monument is uneven and mountainous.
Check local weather reports specifically for the 'Beklemeto' pass, as conditions can differ significantly from the nearby towns of Troyan or Sopot.
Do not attempt to drive to the monument during winter months, as the mountain pass road is frequently closed to traffic due to heavy snowfall.
Access is dependent on the seasonal clearance of the Troyan-Karnare mountain road; generally closed to vehicular traffic from late autumn through late spring.
