When we think about mausoleums, Eastern Europe is not exactly the first area of the world that comes to mind. But we need to be aware that countries from that part of the old continent have some truly imposing mausoleums that commemorate the bravery and honor of numerous heroes who gave their lives in wars for the sake of their homeland.
Eastern Europe has a rich history and architectural prowess, so let’s go ahead and mention a few of the most imposing mausoleums from that part of the world:
Lenin’s Mausoleum (Moscow, Russia):
Lenin’s Mausoleum, which is located in the Red Square in the Russian capital of Moscow, houses the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin, who was the first head of the Soviet state and also the leader of the Russian Revolution. This imposing building was built almost a century ago, in 1930, and it features a design with a granite base and a glass sarcophagus.
Mausoleum of Klement Gottwald (Prague, Czech Republic):
The Mausoleum of Klement Gottwald from Prague, the Capital of the Czech Republic, is situated in the Vitkov Hill arena of Prague, and it commemorates Klement Gottwald, as its name suggests. For those unaware, Gottwald was the first communist president of Czechoslovakia. The building was raised in 1953, and it houses the embalmed body of Gottwald and includes a museum dedicated to Czechoslovak history.
Mausoleum of Georgi Dimitrov (Sofia, Bulgaria)
The Mausoleum of Georgi Dimitrov from Sofia (Bulgaria) was built in honor of Georgi Dimitrov, as the name itself suggests. Dimitrov was the first communist leader of Bulgaria, and the building was completed in 1949. This mausoleum features a neoclassical design with marble columns and a bronze statue of Dimitrov that visitors can find at the entrance.
Mausoleum of Mărășești (Mărășești, Romania)
The Mausoleum of Mărășești, from the small Romanian town of Mărășești, is a monumental building that honors the Romanian soldiers who died during the Battle of Mărășești during the First World War. The building was finished in 1938, and it features a massive stone structure with sculptures that depict scenes from the battle and a crypt containing the remains of the soldiers. There is also a history museum right near the mausoleum for those who want to learn more about the weapons used in the First World War.
Mausoleum of Ferdinand I (Pernik, Bulgaria)
The Mausoleum of Ferdinand I is located in the town of Pernik, and it commemorates Ferdinand I, who was the first monarch of modern Bulgaria. This construction was built in the early 20th century, and it features an ornate exterior with Byzantine and Bulgarian architectural influences.
As we can all easily conclude, the Eastern part of Europe is teeming with imposing mausoleums that tourists can visit. These buildings confirm once again that nations from Eastern Europe also have a rich and diversified history.
