Burgas is one of the largest cities in Bulgaria; it is also one of the country's tourist centers. The city has preserved many buildings in the Art Nouveau style, built over a hundred years ago. There are also remnants of buildings from much more ancient times. Several lakes and the city's seaside park are renowned for their delightful landscapes. The city is famous for its museums, the expositions of which arouse the constant interest of travelers. City theaters delight tourists and local residents with a diverse repertoire and a high level of skill.
The traveler will never be bored in this amazing city, but where exactly should you start sightseeing? What to see in Burgas first of all?
Top 10 sights of Burgas
Opera theatre
Opera theatre
One of the cultural centers of the city. Here you can not only enjoy the art of opera, but also watch the performance of the ballet troupe, whose professionalism attracts no less spectators than the skill of opera singers. The building also houses the Philharmonic, which makes the theater's repertoire very diverse. This is another factor that attracts thousands of tourists here.
The theater was opened in the 70s of the XX century. By that time, the local troupe already had several dozen operas, operettas, and ballets in its assets. Today world celebrities perform on the stage of the theater. Music festivals are held here in spring and summer. During the warmer months, you can see theatrical performances in the open air.
Historical Museum
Historical Museum
It was founded in 1912. It was originally a private museum and belonged to the local archaeological society. In the mid-40s of the XX century, this society transferred the museum exposition (archaeological finds, as well as a number of items of ethnographic value) to the city museum. At that time, it received the status of a National Museum.
Today, tourists can see here several interesting exhibitions dedicated to different periods of the history of the city and its environs. Here you can also find a lot of information about the country's military past (the museum contains numerous documents, including photographs, related to this topic).
Aqua Kalide
Aqua Kalide
An ancient settlement, one of the main historical and archaeological sights of the city. There are springs here, the water of which is very beneficial for health, with its systematic use, you can be cured of many diseases. But nevertheless, it is not worth drinking in unlimited quantities, since it contains fluoride; it is better to consult a doctor before visiting the source (the clinic is located not far from the archaeological complex). And keep in mind that not everyone finds the taste of this unique water pleasant.
People have known about the healing properties of the springs for a long time: in ancient times there was a Roman bath complex, later the sultan of the Ottoman Empire was cured of rheumatism here … In the 2000s, archaeological excavations began in this area, the remains of ancient baths and many interesting exhibits were found. Today, restored baths and various ancient artifacts (as well as the healing properties of local waters) attract many tourists here from all over the world.
Rusokastro
Rusokastro
Ruins of an ancient fortress near Burgas. The first mention of it dates back to the 11th century. The fortress is described in the notes of an Arab traveler who called it a large densely populated city.
In the 14th century, the last victory was won here by the Bulgarian army before the country was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The Bulgarians were under the Turkish yoke for 5 centuries, and the victorious battle that preceded this period took place in the middle of the summer of 1331 (the Bulgarian army defeated the Byzantine army).
Even when the country was conquered by the Ottomans, the fortress remained a strategically significant object for a long time. This is evidenced by numerous historical documents.
The remains of the fortress walls and some buildings, including the ruins of two temples, have survived to this day. In one of them, a closed vessel with holy water was found, which had been here for several centuries.
During archaeological excavations on the territory of the fortress, artifacts of the 2nd century BC were discovered. NS. This means that the settlement existed here for many centuries before the fortress was erected.
Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius
One of the symbols of the city, the largest of the Burgas churches. The building was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Masters invited from other countries (in particular, from Italy) worked on its construction and decoration.
The temple is built of dark stone, which, in combination with other architectural features of the building, gives its appearance a special sophistication and majesty. Inside the temple there are many magnificent sculptures and icons, as well as a wooden iconostasis made in the first third of the 20th century. It is decorated with skillful wood carvings - images of graceful vines. Some of the icons of the temple are considered miraculous.
In the middle of the 20th century, a fire broke out in the church, from which both church utensils and the building itself were badly damaged. The restoration work continued for several decades, then the church reopened to the parishioners.
In 2010, construction began on a large parking lot near the building. Due to construction work, the construction of the temple has lost its reliability. The church was closed to parishioners, as it became dangerous to be inside the building. Then one of the miracles for which he is famous happened in the closed temple. The priests who continued to attend church once noticed that the image of the Mother of God "wept" (this is a rare phenomenon, inexplicable from a scientific point of view: tears seem to appear on the icon).
Puppet show
One of the best puppet theaters in the country, also awarded with many prestigious international awards. His repertoire is of interest not only for children, but also for adults. Performances based on folklore and serious plays by contemporary playwrights are staged here.
The theater was founded in the 50s of the XX century. During its existence, it has staged more than 250 plays. The theater staff toured several continents, visited many countries. His performances were also held with great success in Russia.
The technical equipment of the theater (we are talking about sound recording and lighting equipment) meets the highest modern standards. The theater not only staged diverse performances, but also used various types of puppets (tablet, puppet, cane).
Marine park
Marine park
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Its length is 7 km, the park is located along the sea. Tourists and locals alike love to stroll along its central alley, breathe in the sea air and admire the delightful landscapes.
Here you can see several monuments to public and cultural figures who have gone down in history. Among them is a bust of the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz, who visited the city in the middle of the 19th century. The park is also decorated with original sculptures by contemporary artists.
Tired of a long walk, you can sit on one of the comfortable benches under the shady trees. There are several restaurants and cafes in the park. There are also playgrounds here.
One of the most interesting places in the park is the Summer Theater. Here you can sometimes see performances of theater groups, listen to folk music. And not far from this theater there is a zoo.
Burgas lake
Burgas lake
In fact, it is an estuary connected by a channel to the Black Sea. Nevertheless, this attraction is usually called a lake.
More than 20 species of fish live here, as well as several hundred species of birds (including rare ones). The lake is part of a fairly large nature conservation area.
As scientists managed to establish, the natural landmark arose about 2.5 million years ago. This happened as a result of sea level rise (we are talking about the postglacial period).
Lake Mandra
The area of this reservoir is approximately 40 square meters. m. Until the middle of the 20th century, the water in the lake was brackish, but then, after the construction of the dam, it became fresh.
Part of the reservoir is a protected area. From a special observation deck, you can watch the life of bird colonies nesting here.
Those who love to meet the dawn in the bosom of nature will get a special pleasure here: the morning sun rises above the motionless surface of the lake, like a shining mirror, a transparent haze over the water - this incomparable beauty, once seen, cannot be forgotten. It will become part of your brightest and most beautiful memories.
St. Anastasia Island
St. Anastasia Island
Located a few kilometers from the city. You can get to the island, the area of which is 1 hectare, by a tourist boat. Such vessels periodically depart from the Marine Park.
There is an Orthodox church on the island. There is also a hotel and a cafe where you can taste dishes of the Bulgarian national cuisine prepared according to old recipes. A lighthouse rises above the island.
The history of the small island, which is now a popular tourist destination, also has dark pages. In the 1920s, a concentration camp was located here. From here the prisoners fled to the USSR (Bulgaria joined the socialist camp only in the 40s of the XX century). Later, a feature film was shot about this island and the historical events associated with it, which became one of the pearls of the Bulgarian cinema.
