The Restoration of the Buzludzha Monument would Cost the Bulgarian State EUR 7.5 Million

The renovation of the Buzludja monument would cost 7.5 million leva, the roof of the building urgently needs to be repaired, it should be declared a monument of culture and decided which state structure will govern it. The owner can then apply for European funds for its reimbursement. Its future functions must be publicly discussed. One of the possible options is to become a modern museum. That would take 4-5 years.

These recommendations and findings are provided by the Europe Nostra cultural heritage organization and the European Investment Bank (EIB) in a study on the future of the so-called "flying saucer" of Buzludzha Peak. The monument, built in 1981, entered the list of the seven most endangered cultural monuments in Europe in 2018. For decades, the "flying saucer" has been abandoned and collapsing. However, the futuristic building is very popular with foreign tourists. Photographs appeared on the covers of many travel magazines, and the world media dedicated many materials to the monument.

Despite the interest from Bulgaria and abroad, the government is not taking steps to restore the monument to Buzludzha. According to the Europe Nostra report and the European Investment Bank, the first steps the cabinet should take is to decide which institution will be responsible for the monument. It is logical that it is the Ministry of Culture. The building is currently managed by the district government of Stara Zagora.

According to the study, the building should be declared a cultural monument. The culture agency explained that the procedure had begun, but it is not clear when it will end.

After these issues have been resolved, the two organizations have recommended that the "flying saucer" be repaired urgently - to fix the roof and close the...