What Varna is known for

Varna, often called the Sea Capital of Bulgaria, is located along the Black Sea coast in the northeastern part of the country. With a population of approximately 330,000 people, it is Bulgaria's third-largest city and a destination for sea tourism. Historically, Varna dates back to the sixth century BC when it was founded as Odessos by migrants from Asia Minor. Over time, it became a port, trading hub, and cultural center. Today, Varna is a modern city, hosting numerous international events such as the Varna Summer Theater Festival, Jazz Festival, and Folklore Festival, to name a few. Varna's strategic location has made it a considerable settlement spot since ancient times, as evidenced by the artifacts in the Archaeological Museum, including the world's oldest known golden treasure from the Varna Chalcolithic necropolis. Visitors can explore various museums, such as the Maritime Museum and Ethnographic Museum, as well as historical landmarks, including St. Athanasius Church and the Roman Baths. The city also offers an Aquarium, Dolphinarium, and the University Botanical Garden's Ecological Park, showcasing exotic plants worldwide.[7]

Nature enthusiasts can visit Zlatni Pyasatsi (Golden Sands) Natural Park, the smallest natural park in Bulgaria. Established in 1943, its primary purpose is to preserve rare and endangered plant and animal species. The park, part of the Natura 2000 ecological network, experiences a continental Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. Tourists and nature enthusiasts can explore the park through five unique tourist routes, which offer opportunities for hiking, nature discovery, biking, and other similar activities. Recreational sites with shelters and gazebos are scattered along the routes, providing resting spots with sea and resort views. Additionally, the famous rock monastery Aladzha Monastery is located within the park's southwestern part, offering a glimpse into the region's historical and cultural heritage.[8] Aladzha Monastery is a medieval Orthodox Christian cave complex carved into a 25-meter-high vertical karst cliff on multiple levels near the Franga Plateau. The monastic complex was dedicated to the Holy Trinity and was active during the Second Bulgarian Empire from the twelfth century until around the early eighteenth century. Nearby, remnants of a fifth-century cave monastery have also been discovered. The monastery may have origins dating back to the fourth century, evidenced by fragments of glassware and coins from the time of Justinian. In the early twentieth century, locals considered the surrounding forested hills, known as Hachuka—additionally referred to as Latin—sacred and inhabited by a mythical guardian named Imri Pop or Rim-Papa. Today, Aladzha Monastery is one of the local tourist destinations, with thematic light shows held during the summer. The name "Aladzha" comes from its once-colorful murals, now mostly faded or destroyed.[9]

Geography

The Black Sea coastline in the Varna region is characterized by its hilly landscape, featuring cliffs, rocky headlands—such as Cape Galata and Cape St. Athanasius—and several wide sandy beaches. The largest beach, extending nearly 13 kilometers and reaching widths of 200 to 300 meters, can be found at the estuaries of the Kamchiya and Shkorpilovska rivers. Additionally, there are numerous smaller cove beaches along the coast. Approximately 60% of the Varna province's area is devoted to agriculture, predominantly with fertile chernozem soils in the northern and western parts. Forests cover about 28.1% of the area, primarily in the southern region, including some of the country's oldest oak forests. Moreover, the province features several natural resources, including deposits of rock salt, limestone, silica, and clays, which are used in local industries such as chemical production, cement and glass manufacturing, and construction. Thermal mineral waters are also found within the area, and there are reserves of natural gas with the offshore Galata gas field.[1] 

In terms of vegetation, the area is comprised of diverse landscapes. Along the Black Sea coast and in Southern Dobrudja, xerophytic oak forests dominate, sometimes transitioning into secondary forests, scrubs, and xerophytic grasslands. Eastern Stara Planina is home to forests with eastern beech, hornbeam, and Mysia beech. Longose forests are found in the valleys of the Kamchia and Batova rivers, while swampy areas feature reeds and papyrus. Additionally, Mediterranean species such as fig, pomegranate, persimmon, kiwi, laurel tree, photinia, and magnolia are also present. The area is rich in birdlife, including glarus and various gull species, and waterfowl in coastal lakes. The "Golden Sands" Nature Park and Reserves, including Kamchia, Varbov dol, Kriv dol, Kalfata, Kazashko, and Valchi Prohod, were established in Eastern Stara Planina to protect the unique vegetation.[4]

The Kamchia Reserve, located about 25 kilometers south of Varna, covers the lower valley of the Kamchia River and parts of the Avren and Dolni Chiflik municipalities. Designated as a reserve in 1951, it was later included in UNESCO's Global Biosphere Reserve Network in 1977 due to its environmental and ecological significance. The forests in the lower valley of the Kamchia River are subject to periodic flooding related to changes in the river's water levels. Kamchia Reserve is home to 245 species of higher plants, including the Bulgarian endemic Cardamine tuberoza. Furthermore, the Kamchia River hosts 39 fish species, primarily from the carp family. Amphibians, including the plain swamp turtle, Hermann's tortoise, and nib-legged land turtle, inhabit the region as well. Additionally, the reserve hosts 258 bird species, with rare species such as the black stork, small squalling eagle, and Orco falcon breeding there.[5]

In terms of weather in Varna, Bulgaria, August tends to be the warmest month of the year, featuring an average maximum temperature of 28°C. In contrast, January is the coldest month, with an average maximum temperature of 6°C. When it comes to rainfall, October is typically the wettest month, receiving 59 millimeters of precipitation. Conversely, August is the driest month, with 37 millimeters of rainfall.[6]

History

The Varna area has a history of habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. It was the center of an Eneolithic culture known for metallurgy and seafaring and having a developed social structure and religion. It is home to the Varna Necropolis, containing one of the world's oldest manmade gold treasures. In later times, it was inhabited by Thracians, who later became Romanized. An ancient Greek trading colony, Odessos (now Varna), was established in the sixth century BC, serving as a bridge between Thracian and Greek cultures. The region later became part of the Roman Empire and played a role in early Christianity, with Saint Andrew believed to have founded a local Christian church.[1]

The city of Varna has presumably been the site of the 681 AD peace treaty between Bulgarians and the Byzantine Empire, marking the birth of the Bulgarian state. The city served as a temporary Bulgarian capital before moving to Pliska. Throughout the Middle Ages, Varna changed hands between Byzantine and Bulgarian rule and contributed to the development of Cyrillic script. In the late thirteenth century, it became a developed port frequented by Genoese, Venetian, and Ragusan merchants. The city witnessed a battle in 1444 during the Crusades, leading to the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and centuries of Ottoman rule. During Ottoman rule, Varna developed as a port, trade hub, and shipbuilding center.[2]

In 1828, the Russians took control of Varna during the conflict aimed at liberating Greece. However, upon their departure, the city returned to Turkish rule. In 1854, Varna served as a military base for Anglo-French forces in their campaign against Sevastopol during the Crimean War. It wasn't until 1878 that Varna was freed from Turkish control and officially handed over to Bulgaria according to the Treaty of Berlin. The town's growth was spurred by the construction of the Ruse-Varna railway in 1866 and the railway link to Sofia in 1899. Additionally, a modern harbor was built in 1906, further contributing to Varna's development.[3]