Description of the attraction
In the area of the modern resort town of Byala, on the Cape of St. Atanas, there are the ruins of a late antique fortress, where archaeological excavations are still continuing. For the first time, researchers showed interest in this area at the end of the 19th century.
Scientists claim that an ancient settlement arose in this area in the 6th century BC, a little later a fortress was erected - a Hellenic colony, called Aspro, which means the White City. The fortress owes this name to the white color of limestone rocks, which, moreover, have a bizarre, rugged shape. The ruins of the ancient fortress walls that surrounded and defended the settlement have survived to this day.
Fragments of ancient ship anchors were found here, which were made of wood and stone. Together with other exhibits found during the excavations, they are available for viewing at the White Rocks (Beliti Skali) exhibition center.
During excavations, archaeologists from Varna discovered a unique artifact here - a gold ring dating back to the 6th century BC. It is decorated with a miniature replica of the rotunda in Jerusalem. Such a ring is mentioned only once in the literature; it is believed that such jewelry was made only in the workshops of the emperor in Constantinople. Probably, the ring with the rotunda was presented by the Patriarch of Constantinople to the local bishop. The decoration was found in the ruins of a two-story house in which, presumably, the bishop lived.
The excavations at Cape St. Atanas are financially supported by the European Fund and the Government of Bulgaria. More than two and a half million euros were allocated to work on the archaeological excavations, as well as to increase the attractiveness of this area for lovers of historical tourism. It is also planned to develop infrastructure and landscaping.
