The Shipka Monastery Birth of Christ is the most majestic Christian temple in Bulgaria. It was built in 1902 thanks to donations from the Russian people, in the memory of the 18,491 Russian soldiers who died in the fight for Bulgarian Liberation. When you first look at the temple, you are amazed by the 53.4 meter-tall bell tower and its 17 bells, the heaviest one weighing 11,643 kg, as well as by the beautiful gilt domes. The temple is richly decorated both inside and outside. Its archaic icons give it a special coloring.