Shipka

Shipka is a peak in the Balkan Mountains with an altitude of 1,326 meters, located east of the Shipka Pass. Until 1951, the peak was named St. Nicholas, and until 1977 – Stoletov Peak. The summit symbolizes the heroism and self-sacrificing efforts for the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule.

In 1934, the Monument of Freedom was built on the peak, which is accessible via a road and a stone staircase. The monument is part of the Shipka National Park-Museum. Shipka is also the name of another peak (1,232 m high), located north of the main ridge and west of the Shipka Pass.

During the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), in early August 1877, General Nikolay Stoletov organized the defense of Shipka Pass by positioning the Shipka Detachment (which included the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th companies of the Bulgarian Volunteer Corps) on St. Nicholas Peak, Orlovo Gnezdo (Eagle’s Nest) Peak, and Shipka Peak. The decisive battles were fought from August 21 to 26 (see Battle of Shipka Pass (August 1877)). The defenders showed extraordinary heroism, and despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, the attacks were repelled.