The International Park of the Children of the World, better known as ‘The Bells’, was built in 1979 on the initiative of Lyudmila Zhivkova to mark Bulgaria’s hosting of the International Children’s Assembly ‘Flag of Peace’. 

In the centre of the park stands a 37-metre-high concrete monument consisting of four vertical pylons aligned with the cardinal directions. At the top is a hollow sphere – a symbol of the planet Earth – and inside are seven bells, representing the seven continents. A further 18 bells are situated at the base, and together with the other seven, they can be used to perform various musical pieces.

Over 100 bells from various countries are also displayed around the monument. Each bears the name of the country from which it came, and the oldest dates back to the 11th century. The motto behind the initiative is ‘Unity, Creativity, Beauty’, and the bells represent a cultural heritage that allows us to connect with the world in a creative and musical way.

As well as the bells, which are the main attraction, the vegetation is also well worth seeing. Dozens of plant species from the various countries that sent children to the Peace Assembly have been planted in the park. An incredible blend of culture, nature and history.