The city of Ruse occupies a prime position in the persistent struggle of the Bulgarian people for liberation from five centuries of Ottoman rule and the conquest of national independence. In memory and as an expression of gratitude of the Bulgarian people to the feat of the local revolutionaries, a magnificent monument – the Pantheon of the Revivalists – was erected. During its construction, the “All Saints” church was destroyed – this happened on Dimitrov Day 1975. A well-deserved tribute was also paid to the worthy Obretenov family, from whom the remarkable Baba Tonka acquired almost mythological features, becoming the mother of Bulgarian Freedom.
The Pantheon was built in the old Ruse cemetery, which was turned into the Park of the Revivalists. In fact, it is a national Memorial-ossuary of the heroes who died for Bulgarian freedom – of the elite who formed the idea of a nation in our country, the Bulgarians. It was opened on February 28, 1978 in honor of the centenary of the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman yoke. 39 prominent revivalists are buried in the marble hall of the 22-meter high building.
We will list only a few names: Lyuben Karavelov, Zahari Stoyanov, Stefan Karadzha, Panayot Hitov, Panayot Volov, Angel Kanchev, Baba Tonka Obretenova, Nikola Obretenov and many others. The names of another 453 educators, Chetniks and militiamen are also listed. In the middle of the hall, under the gilded dome, an eternal fire burns. In the building there is a permanent chapel “St. Paisius Hilendarski” and a documentary exhibition about the history of the “All Saints” church.
Work time:
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00-12:00 and 13:00-18:00.
Holidays: Sunday and Monday
Entrance fees:
Regular ticket: BGN 8.
Reduced (pupils, students, pensioners): BGN 5.
Groups (more than 5 people): BGN 6.
Talks: in Bulgarian: BGN 15.
For holders of EURO 26 youth cards: BGN 4.
Lecture in a museum office: BGN 20.
Day ticket for city exhibitions: BGN 15.
