Vasil Levski, the Apostle of Freedom

About Vasil Levski, the Apostle of Freedom

By the ULTIMATE Sofia Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Vasil Levski (1837–1873), known as the Apostle of Freedom, built a network of secret revolutionary committees across Bulgaria in the 1860s and 1870s. Captured by the Ottoman authorities, he was hanged in Sofia on 18 February 1873, and the Levski Monument stands near the spot.

A monk turned revolutionary

Born in Karlovo, Levski took monastic vows as a young man, but left the church to join the struggle for Bulgarian independence. His nickname, Levski, means “lion-like”.

The committees

Travelling in disguise, Levski organised a network of committees across the country, with ideals of a free republic in which all people, whatever their faith or origin, would be equal before the law.

Every 18 February, Bulgarians lay flowers at the foot of the Levski Monument.

The monument

The granite obelisk of the Levski Monument, unveiled in 1895, stands on Vasil Levski Boulevard, near the place of his execution, with a bronze portrait of Levski on its side.

Levski today

Levski is the most revered figure in Bulgarian history; streets, the national stadium and countless schools bear his name, and the anniversary of his death is marked every year.

Our advice: pass the Levski Monument on your way between Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Borisova Gradina, and if you visit Karlovo, near Plovdiv, the Vasil Levski National Museum tells his story in depth.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Vasil Levski, the Apostle of Freedom before you go.