Varna
Varna, also famous as the “marine capital of Bulgaria”, is the largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and it is the third-largest in the country after Sofia and Plovdiv. The city is situated 470 km from Sofia. Varna is not only one of the most desired tourist destinations, but also a major seaport.
Except being a sea resort, Varna also offers different cultural attractions, art galleries and museums. Among the places that would impress you are:
The Varna Archaeological Museum, where is exhibitted the gold of Varna, considered to be the oldest gold treasure found in the world;
the Naval Museum – in the yard of the museum there are exhibits of guns, old anchors, sea-going vessels;
The Marine Garden is another emblematic place for Varna. As it is the largest park, the Dolphinarium, The Aquarium and The Astronomic Complex with observatory and planetarium are situated in it.
The Dolphinarium is one of the most favourite entertainments for the children and for the visitors of the city. They will enjoy the incredible demonstration of the intelligence and playfulness of the sea mammals;
The Holy Virgin Cathedral built in the 19th century in the centre of the city;
The Art Gallery with a rich collection of famous Bulgarian paintings;
The Clock Tower, built in 1880, rises just across the cathedral;
The Asparuh Bridge (named after Asparuh - the founder of the Bulgaria state) - the longest bridge in Bulgaria. With its height of 50m, it is very suitable for bungee jumps;
Other noteworthy places situated outside the city are:
Pobitite kamani (The Standing Stones) - a rock phenomenon, 18 km west of Varna. The stones some of which resemble animals, people and other that look like cascades, were formed 50 million years ago. In the middle of this nature reserve is situated the so called “Magic Circle” which is a formation of the stones in a circle forming special energy field that is believed that takes the stress and the negative energy away.
In the nearby town of Devnya there is a museum of mosaics some of which have been found on the same place where they are exhibited now. Amongst the most popular mosaics are those of Medusa-Gorgon, Satir and Antiope, the Seasons.
The Palace and the Botanical Garden in Balchik- that place is like a recess taken from Paradise. The waterfall, the surrounding nature, the magnificent gardens and alleys, the attracting with its architecture villas and the Palace….everything contributes to the whole charming atmosphere of the place. Here you can also see the second largest collection of cactuses in Europe.
The Euxinograd Palace is situated only 8 km away from Varna close to the sea coast. This masterpiece of the architecture has gathered so much aesthetic in one place.
The Aladzhda Monastery is one of the most famous rock monasteries in Bulgaria. Some of the legends tell that under the monastery there are endless labyrinths, hiding untold riches and evidences for the past of that beautiful, sacred and mysterious place.
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