site.btaFirst Monument to Bulgarian Freedom Fighter Vasil Levski Inaugurated in Italy

The first monument to freedom fighter Vasil Levski in Italy was unveiled at a ceremony in the city of Monza, lecturer Zarina Vasileva told BTA. Vasileva holds a PhD in journalism and is a visiting lecturer at Sofia University, Veliko Tarnovo University and the Bulgarian School Peyo Yavorov in Milan.

The initiative was led by Ana Paskaleva, Consul General of Bulgaria in Milan. The bas-relief of the Apostle of Freedom, as Levski is popularly known, created by sculptor Boris Borisov and funded by Karlovo Municipality, now stands in its new place in the historic San Paolo Square in Monza.

The official ceremony began with the national anthems of Italy and Bulgaria, followed by remarks from Consul General Paskaleva. She said that the unveiling of this monument not only pays tribute to one of the most revered figures in Bulgarian history, but also reaffirms that his ideals of freedom and justice remain alive today. “When we speak of the spiritual image of the Apostle, we cannot fail to mention the ideological connection between him and the great Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Mazzini, with whom he shared common ideals for a free and democratic state,” said Ana Paskaleva, as quoted by Zarina Vasileva.

Paskaleva also highlighted that cultural diplomacy is a leading priority in Bulgaria’s foreign policy and plays a central role in the work of the Consulate General in Milan, serving as a strong foundation for developing cooperation between Bulgaria and Italy, two countries bound by deep historical ties and shared democratic values. She expressed her gratitude to the mayors of Karlovo and Monza, as well as to the staff of the Bulgarian Consulate General in Milan, for their support and collaboration in bringing the initiative to fruition.

Stela Dimitrova, head of the Bilateral European Cooperation Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also present. She welcomed those attending the ceremony and noted that placing the bas-relief of Levski in the historic center of Monza carries symbolic significance for Bulgarians, reminding compatriots abroad of the work and the cause championed by the Apostle of Freedom. It is a symbol of the long-standing friendship and close cooperation between Bulgaria and Italy, with which we share enduring values of freedom, independence, and mutual respect, Dimitrova noted.

The Mayor of Monza, Paolo Pilotto, greeted all attendees and described the unveiling of the commemorative monument to Vasil Levski as a sign of friendship and international cooperation engraved in the hearts of the two cities. According to him, the bas-relief enriches the city both artistically and in terms of dialogue between the two communities, offering citizens a space for reflection on history and on the principles that form the foundation of European identity and cooperation between nations and states. He said that he has studied the life and work of Vasil Levski and can confidently say that his ideals remain highly relevant today.

The event continued with a water blessing ceremony performed by priest Vasil Vasilev, head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church community St. Ambrose of Milan in Milan.