Articles from category: Coastal Towns from bulgariainside.com

Balchik

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:17:00 +0300

The history of the town of Balchik is more than 2000 years old. The first evidence of the town’s development comes from Thracian objects found there. Though it became a Greek settlement, Balchik was initially found by the Thracians. Balchik carried the name of Krounoi (probably a Thracian one) and Dionysopolis, after one of the Greek gods. When the first Greek settlers traveled to the area, they were enchanted by the nature and fertile land. The grapes that grew there were used for the production of wine, which made the Greeks name the settlement after the God of wine Dionysus. The settlement gradually grew into strategic trade and marine center. Romans tried to conquer it various instances and their attacks made locals leave. The town started to decline. Two stories tell how the name of the town came to be Balchik. According to the first theory Balchik is a word of...

Byala

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:26:00 +0300

A small coastal town has developed tourism opportunities, alongside wine production and fishing. Byala is situated 50 km away from Varna and 70 km away from Bourgas. Obzor is located only five km away. The region acted as a harbor in the distant past. Archaeologists discovered there anchors dating back to the 6th century BC. The settlement at that time was located near a Roman fortress. Biala’s territory became part of the First Bulgarian Kingdom right after its formation. There, scientists found one of the most important artifacts carrying the early Bulgarian writing system. The Stone from Biala can be seen today in Sofia’s National History Museum. Ottoman historic writings mention Biala, mainly in connection to the uprisings that locals participated in. The settlement saw development after the end of World War II. It was named a town in 1984....

Tsarevo

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:56:00 +0300

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...

Pomorie

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:55:00 +0200

One of the oldest towns in Bulgaria is called Pomorie. The town is located on a rocky peninsula on the road between the coastal city of Bourgas and the resort of Sunny Beach. Pomorie came in existence in the 5th century BC under the name of Anhialo. Initially it served as a Greek colony of Sozopol. According to historians the name means ‘place close to a salty lake.’ Others believe it means ‘place close to water.’ The second version gave birth to the current name of the town in 1934. Over the centuries Anhialo acted as one of the major Black Sea coastal cities. Its rival for this central position was the Greek colony of Mesambria (current day Nessebar), also located in the region. During the Roman period, Anhialo prospered the most. After the Roman Empire accepted Christianity as its religion, the town became a religious center and...

Kavarna

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:46:00 +0200

The small town of Kavarna is located on Bulgaria’s northern Black Sea coast. Its population reaches only 13 000 people and its nature, though enchanting, limits the tourist traffic. Kavarna’s shore is rocky and sandy beaches are almost entirely missing. One other feature attracts hundreds of tourists. Lovers of rock music meet in Kavarna each summer, where they can enjoy a festival and the performances of well-known bands and singers. According to some, Kavarna still belongs to the 80s. Rock music strongly reminds everyone of the romanticism of past years, though Kavarna is up-to-date. World-famous musicians and bands perform there each summer, many of them to return for yet another concert. Fans and performers seem to like the coastal town equally. Kavarna’s charm does not stem from attractions. The town seems to be a place, where time has...

Varna

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:23:00 +0200

Some cities have their own spirit and ambience. Bulgaria’s marine capital, namely Varna, enchants visitors with its specific salty seaside atmosphere and warmth. Varna is an ancient city, found in the 6th century BC by the Thracians under the name of Odessos. Throughout the centuries, the city witnessed hectic events and stood out as significant political and economic settlement. During the Roman and Byzantine presence in the region, Odessos turned into an important trade and harbor center. It changed its state belonging a few times but through the intervention of local rulers once again became part of Bulgaria. While the Ottoman Empire reigned over Bulgarian territories, Odessos became a typical oriental city. Its connections to Mediterranean cities and states, however, gave it a modern dimension both city-wise and in cultural dimension. Today Varna is the...