The Shipka Monastery is a symbol of an epoch-making event for Bulgaria - it was built in living memory to the Bulgarian revolutionaries and the Russian soldiers who died during the Russian-Turkish Liberation War of 1877-78. The monastery, together with an impressive memorial church, was erected near the town of Shipka, below the famous Shipka Pass in the Balkan Range, where in the summer of 1877 Russian troops and Bulgarian volunteers achieved the break-through that brought about the victorious outcome of the war. The construction of the monastery, which started in 1896 and was completed in six years, was financed by the Russian and the Bulgarian people. The monastery church “Nativity” is very impressive. It is a real masterpiece of architecture and was declared a monument of culture. The temple was built in the Russian cathedrals traditional style from 17th century. The golden domes and crosses are shining far from the distance and the versicolored inlays are like alive. Solemn elegance is also emanated by the carved and gilded iconostasis. It stands by no means estranged in the overall panorama of Bulgarian monasteries. Just like them, it is more than just a place of worship.