Varna
The gem of the Bulgarian Black Sea is situated at the end of the big Varna Bay, with a convenient and well conserved water area. The city’s peculiar sea charm is sublime and moving. Ancient, medieval, renaissance and modern cultures mingle and coexist throughout the city. Varna lies on the same latitude of the famous Atlantic resorts Bayonne and Biarritz in France, on a large, flat and high terrace on the northwestern most curve of the bay which juts some 7 km inland. During the holiday season, July and August, the sunshine allows 10-11 hours of sunbathing. There is nothing of the cold Baltic wind or the summer Riviera heat. The sea is amazingly calm and free of dangerous tides.

Apart from being a beach resort, Varna rivals the great cities of Sofia and Plovdiv, in its offering of cultural attractions and historical buildings, museums and art galleries. It also provides access to some of the quieter scenic spots along the coast, including the nature reserve of Kamchiya, the royal palace of Balchik and the hillside monastery of Aladzha…
Varna is an ‘around-the-year’ holiday destination. Beyond the high Season its balneotherapy facilities can help you unwind and enjoy the many sights and sounds in peace.

Site-Seeing
The Nezavisimost Square – home to the opera house – is a great starting point for a casual stroll to take in some of the city’s other historic sights. Starting with the Roman fortress wall and Round Tower, Cathedral of the Assumption, Old Clock Tower in the City Gardens you should make your way through the residential quarters, dotted among chestnut tree-lined streets… right down to the port.The 19th century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin is an imposing landmark, which contains a finely carved iconostasis and bishop’s throne, some interesting murals and stained glass.

The 2nd century thermae are the remains of the largest Roman public building in Bulgaria. During this century enough has been revealed by archaeologists to give a good impression of the original layout, though some parts of the building remain hidden under nearby streets. Coming across an extensive ancient building amidst the streets and houses of a modern city is not unusual in Bulgaria, but is always a delight.

Further from the centre, a granite monument commemorates the Battle of Varna, which took place in 1444. Here 30,000 Crusaders were waiting to sail to Constantinople when they were attacked by 120,000 Turks. The Polish King Ladislas was killed in a bold attempt to capture the Sultan Murad. The subsequent retreat foreshadowed Christendom’s general retreat before the advancing Ottomans.

At the seafront you will be greeted by the colourful flowerbeds of Marine Gardens, modelled allegedly on the Viennese Baroque palace gardens of Schonburnn and Belvedere. The impressive park also houses various museums including one on Natural History, a Planetarium, zoo and aquarium. If you are lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a pair of dancing bears!

Museums
There is hardly a city in Bulgaria apart from the capital that has so many museum opportunities.

The former Girls High School, which used to be the biggest in the Balkans, houses the Archaeological Museum that holds one of the country’s richest collections.
A special treasury displays priceless gold jewels and amazing ancient toreutic works. The icon and church plate exposition is very impressive. In a special Education Selection your children will be able to rise prehistoric stone tools and work with a primitive potter’s wheel.
Address: Varna 9000, 41 Maria Louisa Blvd.
Tel.: (359 52) 237 057
Fax: (359 52) 237 056

The Varna Museum is full of treasures from all periods of the city’s history, and will interest both the informed archaeologist and the casual visitor.
Address: Varna 9000, 8th November St.
Tel.: (359 52) 632 677

The National Revival Museum has a rich collection.
Address: Varna 9000, 9 Twenty-seven July St.
Tel.: (359 52) 223 585

The Ethnographic Museum has exhibits showing traditional means of livelihood and costumes with varying demographic features.
Address: Varna 9000, 22 Panagiurishte St.
Tel.: (359 52) 63-05-88

The Naval Museum is in the shady alleys of the Marine Gardens.
The history of Bulgarian maritime dates back to the year of 1883. Once the creation of the Bulgarian Marine by Russian naval officers was accomplished in 1879, there was made a collection of ancient marine exhibits.

The Museum of the History of Medicine is in what used to be the city’s first hospital and possesses the richest paleoanthropologic collection in Bulgaria.

The Museum of New History is in the oldest surviving house in Varna, that was built in 1851
Address: Varna 9000, 41 Maria Louisa Blvd.

Bulgaria’s only Aquarium with a unique facade covered in ivy attracts many visitors.
Varna Terrarium has one of the most diverse collections in Bulgaria – more than 40 different kinds of exotic animals from all over the world and many interesting and rare Bulgarian species.
Address: Morska Gradina, 38 Saltanat St.

Art Gallery
Varna 9000
1, L. Karavelov St.

Theaters
DRAMA – THEATER ST. BACHVAROV
Varna 9000
1, Nezavissimost Sq.

STATE OPERA
Varna 9000
1, Nezavissimost Sq.

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