Velin Smith

Tourist Attractions in Varna, Bulgaria

Varna is the largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and is the nation’s third largest city after Sofia and Plovdiv. Varna is often referred to as the marine capital of Bulgaria and is one of the country’s major tourist destinations.

Varna Cathedral

The 19th century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin is an imposing landmark at the city center, which contains a finely carved iconostasis and bishop's throne, some interesting murals and stained glass. The cathedral is the symbol of Varna. You can enjoy the splendid view from the bell tower but you have to climb up the narrow and spiral staircase of 133 steps. It was Prince Alexander Battenberg who placed the first stone in the foundations of the construction starting on 22 August 1880. The design was made by Maas, an architect from Odessa. The building was completed in 1886 but its consecration was delayed until 1910.

The Dolphinaruim

It is the only dolphinarium on the Balkan Peninsula and it is one of the greatest attractions that Varna can offer to its guests. The dolphin show lasts 40 minutes. The visitors will enjoy the incredible intelligence and playfulness of the sea mammals. A curious fact is that in 1992 a baby-dolphin was born in the Dolphinarium in Varna. The event was a sign that the animals feel at home in their surrounding.

The Archaeological museum

The Archaeological Museum in Varna is housed in a magnificent building, designed by the Bulgarian architect Petko Momchilov. Today it keeps over 55,000 exhibits, which date from the Paleolithic era (the Old Stone Age) to the late Middle Ages. The first exhibits making up the two main departments - Art and Archeology were entered in the depository of the museum in 1888 when a group of teachers lead my Karel Shkorpil laid the beginning of the museum collection.

The National Maritime Museum

The history of Bulgarian maritime dates back to the year of 1883. Once the creation of the Bulgarian Marine by Russian naval officers was accomplished in 1879, there was made a collection of ancient marine exhibits. It was founded in Varna in 1923 by a group of enthusiasts and initially it was housed in the Naval School. In 1956 it was moved to Villa Diana in the Sea Garden. The museum displays a collection of marine guns, the old white house and the Sea Port of Varna and one of Bulgarian first minesweepers. The collection is on show 12 halls. The most valuable exhibit is the Drazki torpedo boat which earned fame for its crew by sinking the Turkish cruiser Hamidie during the First Balkan War in 1912.

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