The doors of Bulgaria’s iconic Buzludzha monument have been opened for the first time in eight years as preparations get underway to restore the communist-era landmark.

A group of journalists were allowed to enter the saucer-shaped building, which was built in 1981 by Bulgarian communists as a tribute to the creation of the Bulgarian socialist movement.

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“The ostentatious finish of its Brutalist architecture, heavy iconography and colourful mosaics has decayed,” judges said. “The building attracts increasing international attention [but] no action has been taken by the responsible authorities to protect the site so far.”