Shipka Peak

Sveti Nikola (Shipka) is a peak in Stara Planina with an altitude of 1326 m, located to the east of the Shipchen pass. Until November 23, 1951, the peak bore the name Saint Nicholas, and then until October 7, 1977 – Stoletov peak. The peak symbolizes heroism and self-sacrificing efforts for the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule.

In 1934, the Freedom Monument was built on the summit, which is reached by a road and a stone staircase. The monument is part of Shipka Park-Museum. Shipka is also the name of the peak (with a height of 1232 m), located to the north of the main ridge and to the west of the Shipchen pass.

During the Russo-Turkish War (1877 – 1878) at the beginning of August 1877, General Nikolay Stoletov organized the defense of the Shipchen Pass, deploying the Shipchen Detachment (which included the Gabrov Detachment and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Company of Bulgarian militia) on Saint Nicholas Peak, Eagle's Nest Peak and Shipka Peak. Decisive battles were fought on August 9-14/21-26, 1877. The defenders showed exceptional heroism and despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, the attacks were repulsed.

The action began in the summer of 1877, when Russian troops entered Gabrovo, Raicho Karolev was elected chairman of the Gabrovo municipality. At the request of Major General Valerian Derozhinski, a working meeting was held with Raicho Karolev and Ivan Kalpazanov. It is necessary for a Bulgarian to cross the Balkans and take a letter with the order of Grand Duke Nikolay Nikolaevich to Lieutenant General Joseph Gurko. Ivan Kalpazanov provides his own faithful employee, who takes the letter and returns with an answer within 24 hours. The order is to capture the Shipchen Pass from the north, and the units of the Front Detachment with commander Lieutenant General Gurko to advance from the south. Major General Derozhinsky directs part of Gabrov's detachment to Mount Shipka, and Lieutenant General Gurko attacks from the south of Shipka. On July 3 - 7/15 - 19, 1877, after whirlwind attacks, the Shipchen Pass was captured. His guard is taken over by the detachment of Major General Derozhinsky.