A monument and a world record define August 30 in Bulgaria’s history: the 1907 unveiling of Sofia’s Tsar Liberator Monument, and Stefka Kostadinova’s record-shattering high jump in 1987.
August 30, 1907 — The Tsar Liberator Monument Unveiled
One of Sofia’s most striking landmarks was officially unveiled: a towering equestrian monument to Russian Emperor Alexander II, honouring his role in Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule. Designed by Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi after an international competition and completed years earlier in 1903, its grand opening finally took place before Prince Ferdinand, his sons, war veterans, and Russian dignitaries.
It still stands today facing the National Assembly, a lasting symbol of Bulgarian gratitude to Russia.
August 30, 1987 — Stefka Kostadinova Leaps into History
At the World Athletics Championships in Rome, Bulgarian high jumper Stefka Kostadinova cleared 209 centimetres, setting a world record that stood unbroken for 37 years, until Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh finally surpassed it in 2024.
Then just 22, Kostadinova needed nine successful jumps across thirteen attempts to secure both the record and the world title, cementing her place among the greatest high jumpers the sport has known.
Trace the days on either side — August 29 before, August 31 after. And do take in the country from above in our Bulgaria From Above series.
