Bulgaria Inside

The biggest Black Sea harbor south of Bourgas is situated in the town of Tsarevo and is rather popular because of its proximity to the Bosporus.

Tsarevo is situated 70 km away from Bourgas and nearly 460 km away from Sofia. In the past, the town carried the names Vasilikou, Vasiliko and Michourin.

The harbor has been used in the distant past. Archaeologists found dishes and imported ceramics from the 4th to 6th centuries.

Vasilikou was mentioned in historic writings for the first time in the 12th century.

Over the years, Vasiliko gained popularity as a fishing and a ship construction center. Its proximity to Strandzha and the availability of timber developed the industry. Vasiliko’s fleet reached 42 ships in the first half of the previous century.

Its harbor aided the town develop commercial ties to various cities alongside the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea. Vasiliko experienced its trade peak in the 30s of the 19th century. After Bulgaria’s liberation, Tsarevo remained in the periphery of the Ottoman empire.

The town gained its freedom after the Balkan war. A fire destroyed many houses at that time and today Tsarevo has an old and a new part.

Today, the town is relatively big and happens to be the biggest settlement in Southeastern Bulgaria. It has a military facility, which determines what locals are involved in. Apart from fishing and tourism, many Tsarevo residents are involved in the military industry.

Numerous historic and cultural landmarks can be seen on the territory of the municipality. The oldest preserve in Bulgaria, Silkosia, is situated nearby.

Strandzha’s biggest river flows through the municipality. Veleka is 147 m long and the final 10 km of the river are navigable.

Tsarevo treasures St. Ouspenie Bogorodichno church that was constructed in the 16th century. Archaeologists discovered the remains of a fortress and a medieval school, as well.

Each May Tsarevo organizes art fairs. In the summer, the town celebrates Neptune’s days.

Several camps, hotels and villas function on the territory of the municipality and offer accommodation. To learn more, visit the town’s tourism information center. It is situated on Mihail Gerdzhikov street and its phone numbers are 0550/ 5 21 62 and 0888/ 56 28 01.