Old Town of Nessebar
Nessebar is one of the biggest historical depositories and for that reason is declared a museum town, as well as an architectural and archaeological reserve of national significance. Due to the numerous well-preserved monuments from different ages, the old town of Nessebar is a cultural monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town is one of the oldest in Europe and the most abundant with medieval architectural monuments in Bulgaria. It inherits an ancient Thracian settlement established in the 2nd millennium BC. The town is declared an architectural and archaeological reserve due to its unique appearance and the specific ambiance of its streets. The biggest wealth of the town are the nearly 60 preserved houses from the Revival period that give it an exceptionally romantic atmosphere, as well as the more than 40 churches. 23 of the churches were discovered during excavations and were subsequently restored. Currently, only one is functioning, while the others have been turned into art galleries and museums.
Situated on a rocky peninsula on the Black Sea, the more than 3,000-year-old site of Nessebar was originally a Thracian settlement (Menebria). At the beginning of the 6th century BC, the city became a Greek colony. The city’s remains, which date mostly from the Hellenistic period, include the acropolis, a temple of Apollo, an agora and a wall from the Thracian fortifications. Among other monuments, the Stara Mitropolia Basilica and the fortress date from the Middle Ages, when this was one of the most important Byzantine towns on the west coast of the Black Sea. Wooden houses built in the 19th century are typical of the Black Sea architecture of the period.
Nessebar is another popular Bulgarian resort. The coastal town has modern hotels, a beautiful sandy beach and rich historical and cultural heritage. It is several kilometers south of Sunny beach. It boasts a wide range of hotels, guest houses, luxury complexes, along with restaurants and taverns with beautiful view to the sea. The proximity of the town to Sunny Beach Resort is an advantage for guests looking for fun and variety. Nessebar is undoubtedly one of the most romantic resorts in Bulgaria. The charm of the Old Town and the glimpse of the past will make you feel the atmosphere of the ancient times and you could almost see the Byzantine battleships in front of the sea fortress of Nessebar.