The Monument of the Holy Mother of God in Haskovo is the world’s tallest statue of the Virgin Mary and Child. It is 32.8 metres tall; the Chapel of the Nativity of the Mother of God is located at its base. From Yamacha Hill, where the monument stands, the panorama extends across the entire city. The monument, chapel and viewpoint bring together religious significance and city views in one place. The monument is free to visit year-round and is accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Architecture and City History
The Shishmanova House was built in 1854 in an architectural style characteristic of the wider Thracian region. The house museum focuses on domestic activities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It reopened in 2024 after restoration; check current visitor arrangements before your visit.
The Kirko School is a richly decorated town house from the late 19th century in central Haskovo. The building was later used as a museum; its “Haskovo Revivalists” exhibition was enhanced and renovated in 2024. The Ivan Dimov Theatre is also part of the city’s architectural history: it was established in 1926 and extensively restored by Haskovo Municipality in 2004.
The Old Clock Tower was built in the early 19th century as a symbol of the city and its economic development. The restored tower is 23 metres high and built from hewn Uzundzhovo stone. Together, the buildings illustrate different chapters in the city’s history—from the early clock tower and town house to the 20th-century theatre.
Museums and Collections
The Regional History Museum is located in the central part of the city. Its collections include prehistoric, ancient and medieval holdings. They also include more than 22,000 ancient and medieval coins and an ethnographic collection with nearly 15,000 objects. Guided visits are available year-round. The collections’ broad chronological range and extensive numismatic and ethnographic holdings offer different ways to explore the region’s history.
The Museum of Thracian Art in the Eastern Rhodopes is near Haskovo. It is open year-round except Mondays, offers guided tours and is accessible to visitors with disabilities. Check opening hours before travelling.
Nature in the Municipality and Kenana Park
Two natural attractions are in Haskovo Municipality, but not within the city itself. Near Garvanovo, the protected natural landmark of Boaza includes a waterfall on the Banska River. Near Nova Nadezhda, the Zlato Pole protected area preserves a wetland on the Maritsa that supports threatened and protected plant and animal species. The two places offer different highlights: Boaza is known for its waterfall, while Zlato Pole is notable for its wetland and species conservation.
Kenana Zoo is located in Kenana Park and is considered one of Bulgaria’s oldest zoos. For families with children, it offers the chance to see various animal species in a park setting; animal collections and visitor arrangements may change. The park also has a rest area with picnic benches, solar lighting, barbecue spots, a basketball hoop, parking spaces and waste bins. As municipal facilities may change, check which amenities are currently available before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Zornitsa, Nikolovo, Orlovo, Momino
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