Travel Varna Guide
Varna is Bulgaria's third largest city, and perhaps its most beautiful. An old city, Varna's occupation began long before the Greek Colony was established in 580 BC. A port city, and once a major trading spot for goods coming from Constantinople, Varna is home to a beautifully eccentric collection of cultures; all mirrored in its architecture, people and personality. In addition to Varna's many archaeological monuments, museums, churches and beautiful architecture, it is just a few kilometers away from some of Bulgaria's best beaches.
The best way to get some sightseeing done in Varna is probably on foot. For starters, go to the Nezavisimost Square where you will find Varna's glorious Opera house. Walk from here through the City gardens until you reach the port. You will pass the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin-step inside to the imposing throne and large stained-glass windows.
Because of Bulgaria's natural hot springs, there are a number of Roman bath-houses to be found in Bulgarian cities. The remains of the 2nd Century Thermae have been excavated by archaeologists to the extent that one can see the original layout. You will be surprised to find these ruins in the center of a normal Varna neighborhood; amongst modern homes and buildings.
Be sure to visit the site which commemorates the Battle of Varna, which occurred in 1444. This granite monument memorializes the 30,000 Crusaders who were meant to set sail for Constantinople when they were attacked by an army of 120,000 Turks. This battle was considered heroic on the part of the Bulgarians, and was believed to mark the beginning of the retreat of Christendom's before the Ottomans.
Once you reach Varna's seafront, you will find the Marine gardens, a glorious collection of bright local flowers and plants. These gardens were modeled after the palace gardens of Schonburnn and Belvedere. Inside this park you will also find a Natural History museum, a planetarium, zoo and aquarium. This park is also home to street performers, mimes, clowns, musicians and the occasional gypsy dancing bear (in the true Bulgarian style).
In addition to the aforementioned sites, Varna is also home to a famous Necropolis, the new Dolphinarium, and a large palace of culture and sports. Varna's wide collection of restaurants offer delicious Turkish-influenced cuisine and fresh fish and the well-organized infrastructure will make your visit easy and comfortable. Enjoy a strange, fascinating and beautiful European port city on your next vacation; visit Varna.
The best way to get some sightseeing done in Varna is probably on foot. For starters, go to the Nezavisimost Square where you will find Varna's glorious Opera house. Walk from here through the City gardens until you reach the port. You will pass the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin-step inside to the imposing throne and large stained-glass windows.
Because of Bulgaria's natural hot springs, there are a number of Roman bath-houses to be found in Bulgarian cities. The remains of the 2nd Century Thermae have been excavated by archaeologists to the extent that one can see the original layout. You will be surprised to find these ruins in the center of a normal Varna neighborhood; amongst modern homes and buildings.
Be sure to visit the site which commemorates the Battle of Varna, which occurred in 1444. This granite monument memorializes the 30,000 Crusaders who were meant to set sail for Constantinople when they were attacked by an army of 120,000 Turks. This battle was considered heroic on the part of the Bulgarians, and was believed to mark the beginning of the retreat of Christendom's before the Ottomans.
Once you reach Varna's seafront, you will find the Marine gardens, a glorious collection of bright local flowers and plants. These gardens were modeled after the palace gardens of Schonburnn and Belvedere. Inside this park you will also find a Natural History museum, a planetarium, zoo and aquarium. This park is also home to street performers, mimes, clowns, musicians and the occasional gypsy dancing bear (in the true Bulgarian style).
In addition to the aforementioned sites, Varna is also home to a famous Necropolis, the new Dolphinarium, and a large palace of culture and sports. Varna's wide collection of restaurants offer delicious Turkish-influenced cuisine and fresh fish and the well-organized infrastructure will make your visit easy and comfortable. Enjoy a strange, fascinating and beautiful European port city on your next vacation; visit Varna.