When in Haskovo,Bulgaria, a "must see" is the biggest statue of Virgin Mary in the world. It is located on the Hill of Youth in the city (see the map below). Erected in 2003, the statue representing the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, has quickly became one of the city’s symbols.

Virgin Mary’s statue weights 80 tons and its overall height exceeds 31 m. Because of its impressive height, the monument can be seen from all parts of the town. A small chapel called Nativity of the Virgin Mary is located in the foot of the monument.

The building of memorial of Virgin Mary was accomplished with donations of local citizens and the help of the municipality. Few local companies and many individuals took part in the construction of the monument.

The symbol of Virgin Mary wasn’t chosen accidentally. The Mother of God is considered to be the patroness of Haskovo and Virgin Mary’s day is kept in high honor as one of biggest holidays in the city.

The first church in Haskovo is also called Virgin Mary.