Nessebar Bulgaria. Nessebar: an ancient city and a fashionable resort. City walls and gates
Having visited the old town of Nessebar, I was convinced that the historical sights of Bulgaria are in no way inferior to those in Greece, Italy and other European countries that are more associated with beach holidays. Take, for example, the resort of Nessebar: the old town, whose history goes back several thousand years, still preserves traces of several eras. This is a unique attraction that Bulgaria can rightfully be proud of.
The old town of Nessebar occupies a small peninsula, connected to the coast by a thin isthmus along which a highway runs.
History of old Nessebar
The first Thracian colony on the territory of present-day Nessebar existed 1000 years ago BC. Several centuries later, the Thracian Greeks settled on the peninsula and were replaced by the Romans. Today, only archaeological finds that can be seen in museums remind us of the ancient period of the history of Nessebar.
When the Roman Empire collapsed, the territory of present-day Bulgaria became part of Byzantium. Since then, the remains of military, civil and religious buildings have been preserved in Nessebar.
At the end of the 12th century AD, as a result of an uprising led by the Bulgarian aristocrats Ivan and Asenei, the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was formed, which included Nessebar. During this period, numerous churches were built on the territory of the peninsula, made in Byzantine architectural traditions using opus mixtum masonry, which involved the simultaneous use of brick and limestone. These buildings have been preserved much better than the buildings of the Byzantine period.
The Ottoman period of the city's history, which began at the end of the 14th century, when Bulgaria fell under the onslaught of the Turks, is reminiscent of itself with an abundance of characteristic houses with a stone bottom and a second floor made of wood. These buildings date back to the period of the so-called Bulgarian Renaissance, which began at the end of the 18th century against the backdrop of weakening Turkey.
How to get to Old Nessebar
Since Nessebar is not just a piece of land, but almost an island, you can get there not only by land transport, but also by water.
By land
The most accessible option is by bus.
From Burgas and Pomorie you can take buses 10 and 11; the ticket price is 6 levs or just over 3 euros. They go every hour and an hour and a half.
From Sunny Beach, bus No. 1 runs 4-6 times an hour (fare 1.3 levs or about 0.7 euros), and buses 5 and 8 also pass three times an hour, which take and (fare 1.5 levs or about 0.8 euros). The ticket is purchased from the conductor and strictly in cash.
You can also get to Nessebar from Sunny Beach on an open “train”. This attraction costs around 3 levs (about 1.6 euros) and runs 2-3 times per hour. At the same time, I did not notice that this type of transport had any strictly fixed departure point, but in any case they depart from the central part of the resort, and the ticket is purchased upon boarding from a barker standing nearby.
The most expensive option is by taxi. Here the amount starts from 10-15 leva (5-8 euros), but resorting to this method only makes sense if you are returning from Nessebar late at night. In this case, be sure to bargain.
By sea
Pomorie and Pomorie have constant water connections with the peninsula. There are two ports in Old Nessebar - the northern one, where sea taxis from Sunny Beach and St. Vlas arrive, and the southern one, where ferries from Sozopol and Pomorie arrive. In the diagram below, the places where water transport arrives are located in the places where the dotted lines come from.
Boats from Sunny Beach and Sveti Vlas depart 2-3 times per hour, and the ticket costs 15 levs (about 8 euros) one way per person and can be purchased on the spot.
I also draw your attention to the fact that water communication with Nessebar may be suspended if the sea is stormy.
Architecture of old Nessebar
Old Nessebar is a real museum city, so it is not possible to list all the architectural monuments without exception in one article. The main ones are shown in the diagram below. 
Byzantine monuments
The churches of the Byzantine period have survived to this day in a severely damaged state. I will talk about some of them in the section dedicated to the religious buildings of Nessebar, but for now let’s look at the monuments of civil and military architecture.
City walls and gates
In fact, my acquaintance with old Nessebar began with them. Although the gate is in a semi-ruined state today, it looks very picturesque. Here tourists will find another attraction of Nessebar - this time alive. 
Sometimes it seems that this man plays all day without rest and, according to eyewitnesses, the bagpiper played on the remains of the Byzantine walls back in the 80s of the last century - I don’t know if it was this one or another. Although the musical performance on the walls is free, anyone can donate as much as they see fit to the tireless bagpiper.
Thermal Baths
Today, all that remains of them are the ruins of the lower level, which anyone can see, but it is difficult to touch the ancient stones, since a fence has been installed around the ruins of the baths. 
Tank
It is a rectangular reservoir for collecting water - the only thing left from the water supply system of ancient Nessebar. Unfortunately, only the walls and foundations of the columns that once supported the ceiling have survived to this day.
Monuments of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom
From this period (XIII-XIV centuries) only churches have survived to this day, which largely borrow Byzantine traditions, but they are predominantly of the cross-domed type, while religious buildings dating back to the period when Nessebar was part of the Eastern Roman Empire are 3-5-nave basilicas. Read more about the medieval churches of Nessebar in the section on churches.
Monuments of the Ottoman period
This period, not the most rosy one for the residents of Nessebar, had two characteristic features in terms of architecture. Firstly, the height of Christian churches was limited by the height of the rider sitting on a horse, so the temples of this period are more reminiscent of barracks or barns. Secondly, towards the end of Turkish rule came the era known as the Bulgarian Renaissance.
Architecture of the Bulgarian Renaissance period
These are residential buildings, which are one and a half to two centuries old. Distinctive features are the second floor, finished in wood, and the fact that the upper level protrudes and seems to hang over the lower one.
In addition, not far from the entrance to the old town, on the isthmus connecting Nessebar to the mainland, a wooden mill attracts attention. Unfortunately, I could not determine exactly when it was built, but judging by the appearance of the boards, its age is at least 1.5-2 centuries. Today the mill is one of the symbols of Nessebar and is very popular with birds.
Museums of old Nessebar
But there are not so many museums in the classical sense of the word in Old Nessebar.
Cinema Museum “Film museum”
This small museum, it would seem, does not at all fit into the atmosphere of antiquity that reigns on the streets of Nessebar. At the same time, once inside, you realize how self-sufficient this place is.
Unfortunately, the inscriptions on the exhibits are quite sparse, so I cannot say which of them is the original and which is a copy, but, in my opinion, in this case this issue is not fundamental. Before us is not just a museum of wax figures, among which movie characters predominate - one of the exhibits is the torso of the “mercury man” from the second part of the film “Terminator” at the moment of “healing” of the wounds. There is also a Freddy Krueger glove and a copy of Darth Vader's light saber, and the dark lord himself is presented in the museum without a helmet. There are also more banal figures - Batman, Joker, Iron Man and others. In any case, this is an establishment where I personally took a lot of cool selfies, many of which I consider full-fledged souvenirs to remember my visit to Nessebar.
The entrance to the museum is usually guarded by an imperial stormtrooper from Star Wars, who is also willing to take pictures with everyone.
The entrance ticket costs 10 leva (5.2 euros). It's best to check opening hours locally, but during my visit it was open until 21 or 22 pm.
How to get to the Film Museum
The museum is located on Mesembria Square near the Church of Christ Pantocrator. The facade of the building faces the main street.
Archaeological Museum of Nessebar
It is here that the ancient heritage of this ancient city is presented. The museum has a rich collection of antique dishes, coins, reliefs depicting scenes from ancient mythology, but in these indicators it is inferior to large museums in Italy and Greece, but this is compensated by an excellent Russian audio guide, thanks to which even inconspicuous at first glance exhibits turn out to be interesting. In addition, the museum displays gold items from Thrace, as well as evidence of contacts between Nessebar merchants and the cities of medieval Rus'. 
Opening hours and ticket prices
An adult ticket costs 6 levs (3.1 euros), a child ticket costs 3 (about 1.6 euros). In addition, for 20 leva (10.4 euros) you can purchase a ticket that gives you the right to visit the ethnographic museum and five churches, which I will discuss below. The cost of the audio guide is 5 leva (2.6 euros), although two people can listen to it.
The museum is open daily from 9.00 to 19.00.
How to get to the Archaeological Museum
Getting into the museum is very easy: as soon as you go through the main gate, it will be on your right hand.
Ethnographical museum
First of all, visiting it should be considered as an opportunity to visit the inside of a typical Bulgarian Revival house. The main highlight of the interior is the richly decorated ceilings against the backdrop of the generally ascetic decoration. As for the exhibits, these include details of national costumes, ancient icons, and photographs of the early 20th century, from which one can trace the recent history of Nessebar. 
Opening hours and ticket prices
During the season, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the entrance ticket costs about 3 leva (1.6 euros). It is better for you to find out more detailed information about opening hours and prices on site or at the ticket office of the archaeological museum.
How to get to the ethnographic museum
The museum is located on Mesembria Street. To get there, you need to go a little deeper into the old city.
Churches of Nessebar
First, a few words about the five churches, inside of which museum exhibitions are located today. Perhaps these religious buildings are the best preserved.
Since I visited them with a single ticket, I recommend finding out the cost of visiting each temple separately on the spot, but I believe it will be within 1-3 leva (0.52-1.6 euros).
St. Stephen's Church
Built in the 11th century, it is notable for the fact that it is adjacent to a real garden with fruit trees, and I was quite surprised when a hospitable museum employee unexpectedly treated me to some figs grown there. In the same garden, the bases of ancient columns are on display for everyone to see.
It was built in the traditions of Byzantine architecture using opus mixtum masonry. Inside, icons and frescoes have been preserved, and many biblical scenes are brutal.
Church of Christ Pantocrator
This is already the period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom - the 14th century. It is also well preserved, and inside you will find an exhibition of old maps as a reminder that Nessebar has always been an important trading hub. In addition, some archaeological finds are exhibited there - in particular, slabs from the Roman period of the city's history.
Church of John the Baptist
Built in the 10th century, its appearance resembles Russian churches of the pre-Mongol period, many of which have survived in Veliky Novgorod and the Vladimir region. There is an exhibition of icons inside.
Church of the Holy Savior
This is already the 17th century, that is, the period of Ottoman rule. Deprived of a dome, elongated in length and having a sloping roof, in appearance it resembles a barn, and this was done for a reason. 
The fact is that when these lands were under Turkish protectorate, Christian churches had a strict height limit. The wall frescoes in the church itself are very well preserved.
Paraskeva Church
Another example of architecture from the period of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom of the 13th century. The church is notable for the fact that the entrance to the bell tower was not from the inside, but from the street. The bell tower itself has not survived, but the steps have survived to this day. Inside, preserved frescoes from the Church of George Golemi, demolished in 1958, are exhibited.
Other churches of Old Nessebar
Below I will talk about the main temples in the old city, which are not currently used as museums. The condition of some of them today is extremely deplorable.
Basilica of Hagia Sophia
It’s a paradox, but the most popular monument of religious architecture in Nessebar is the Hagia Sophia Cathedral of the 5th-6th centuries, which is now in ruins. The façade, the remains of the walls and the internal arched colonnade have survived to this day. The cathedral is open to everyone, which is what those who like to take pictures in the arches take advantage of.
Church of Our Lady of Eleusa
Built in the 6th century, today it is in frankly deplorable condition. At the same time, it’s even strange that a barrier against vandals was not built around it. The name is translated from Greek as “Church of the Tenderness of the Virgin Mary.”
Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel
A well-preserved picturesque monument from the era of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom of the 13th century.
Despite the high degree of preservation, it is impossible to get inside today.
Church of St. Todor
This is also a monument from the 13th century, but as a result of restoration, the temple looks more like a covered garage. Probably, such a step was taken in order to strengthen the historical masonry itself. Entrance inside is currently closed.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Built in the 19th century, it is the newest of the churches of old Nessebar and the only functioning temple on the peninsula. Although outwardly it bears little resemblance to the temples of the Byzantine period, in some places you can see opus mixtum masonry.
Entrance to the church is free, and it is better to check the opening hours and schedule of services on site. Important point: photography inside is prohibited.
Church of John Aliturgetos
Another architectural monument of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, which was closed for restoration during my visit. The architectural feature of this church is the presence of two entrances inside. The word "aliturgetos" is translated from Greek as "unlit"
Modern monuments of Nessebar
This is, first of all, a sculpture of St. Nicholas located at the entrance to the city, who at all times was considered the patron saint of fishermen, sailors and travelers, so the port is the perfect place for him.
Infrastructure of old Nessebar
Despite the fact that this is a 100% open-air museum, if you wish, you can find all the necessary attributes of tourist infrastructure there.
Hotels
As for the hotels located on the territory of old Nessebar, I can only say that there are a lot of them there, and for details I refer you to the websites of popular booking systems.
Beaches
Oddly enough, there are also beaches on the peninsula, if you can call it that, several small patches of sand, on which there was even room for sun loungers and umbrellas. The sand, as elsewhere in Europe, belongs to everyone, and as for the infrastructure and operating hours, I recommend checking on the spot. 
Another thing is that I don’t see any point at all in visiting the beaches of old Nessebar, since the new part of the city is much more suitable for such a vacation, which you can read about.
A few words about food outlets
There are many food outlets in old Nessebar, and I will not recommend any specific ones here. Let me just say that the cost of lunch decreases as you move away from the main entrance to the city. At the same time, restaurants in Nessebar in the old town, located next to the Byzantine gates, are distinguished not only by high prices, but also by extremely slow service, since they are always sold out. In most cafes and restaurants, Bulgarian cuisine predominates, but if you wish, you can find something else: for example, the Czech restaurant “Praha”.
In addition, in the territory of old Nessebar, as in other resort towns in Bulgaria, here and there there are trays with delicious ice cream, which is sold at 1.69 leva (about 0.9 euros) per 100 grams, excluding the weight of the waffle cup, which is free . However, it was in old Nessebar that I saw trays with prices of 1.99 levs (about 1 euro) per 100 grams, but there are few of them there. In addition, there are trays of ice cream for 1 leva per scoop, but the range of flavors there is less wide.
Souvenirs in Old Nessebar
There are many souvenir shops in the old town. At the same time, in addition to magnets, mugs and hand-painted ceramics, I was struck by the abundance of objects with the symbols of the Third Reich - flasks, ashtrays, orders, etc. Moreover, many of the finds, at least according to the sellers, are genuine artifacts from the Second World War.
Amphitheater
Unfortunately, it bears little resemblance to an ancient monument, but it is actively used during holidays, when free performances are held there. In particular, I had the pleasure of watching the ballet “Swan Lake” on the stage of the amphitheater, albeit in a truncated version.
A few final words
Despite the crowds of tourists, I sincerely believe that if you are vacationing on the Bulgarian coast, Old Nessebar is a must-see. At the same time, even if you are not a history buff, this place with windswept embankments and picturesque multi-tiered buildings is simply imbued with serenity and relaxation. To feel this, you just need to turn from the central streets towards the sea.
I first heard about Nessebar from Dmitry Krylov’s program “Unlucky Notes”. There the city was presented in such a romantic manner, with beautiful old streets, where quite by chance you can hear from the window of the house how the mysterious maestro plays Yesterday. I'm not a particularly romantic person, but his delicious story won me over. And so, when the opportunity arose, I decided to relax in Bulgaria, settling near this city.
Our acquaintance with Nessebar began with the fact that we drove through the modern buildings of New Nessebar and found ourselves in front of a road leading across the sea to the island on which, in fact, Old Nessebar is located.
On the way to it there is a windmill. Nothing special, but you can take a couple of good photos. The city itself begins with the remains of a gate and part of the wall of an ancient fortress. I won’t say that I’ve seen many fortresses, but this one didn’t impress me. Maybe the perception was spoiled by the children who climbed the ruins like monkeys.
Walking inside through the main gate, we find ourselves on Mesembria Street. This is the main street of the city, with shops, currency exchange, souvenir shops and so on. However, the whole city is a continuous market.
Every house in Nessebar is a small trading shop. They sell mainly souvenirs, antiques, paintings, and clothes. People gather near almost every such bench, sometimes obstructing the passage, since the streets are not wide.
And then I thought, how did Dmitry Krylov photograph this city without crowds of people? On a normal day, it is impossible to hear a piano from the open window, only a hum, a din - like in a market.
But if we ignore all this, Nessebar is a quite pleasant city with its rich history and architecture. Unusual old houses of the southern type, where the lower floor is built of stone and the upper floor of wood, create their own flavor.
Residents usually decorate their windows with all kinds of flowers, this is very pleasing to the eye. Some of the streets are paved, while others have old paving stones. Places with smooth surfaces are convenient for mothers with strollers and people with disabilities to move around.
The streets are windy, since the city is on an island, and walking around it is not as hot as, for example, in the center of Burgas. And if you get tired from walking, you can stop by one of the cafes, have a delicious meal and take a breath.
How to get there
First of all, you need to get to the largest transport hub in Bulgaria. You can get to it from Moscow by plane or by rail. Prices vary depending on the method, season and transport company. From Burgas to Nessebar you can take a regular bus or taxi.
By plane
Regular flights fly to Burgas (Sarafovo) airport from Moscow and St. Petersburg. It is better to buy tickets in advance. If you take care of this 2-3 months before your departure date, you can save up to half the cost.
On average, the price of a flight from Moscow, if you buy a ticket a week before departure, is 350 € or (25 thousand rubles), from the Northern capital it is 28 € (2 thousand rubles) more expensive. Serves flights of Siberia and Aeroflot airlines. You can see how much air tickets will cost for the dates you are interested in.
From Burgas Airport you can get to Nessebar by bus number 10. At the entrance to the airport there is a bus stop “Koltsevaya”. That's what you need to find. You will have to wait for the bus from 40 minutes to an hour, the fare is approximately 3.5 € (6 BGN - Bulgarian levs). Travel time is about an hour, possibly less, it all depends on traffic jams.
There are several stops in Nessebar, tourists “nest” near each of them. They are located near hotels, a water park and, in fact, the Old Town itself. You can get to any place from the stop on foot or by taxi for 3–6 €.
By train
There is no direct train connection with Nessebar. According to the old scheme, you need to get to Burgas.
There is only one train running from Moscow to Burgas, Bulgaria. This is a trailer car - Burgas, number 059M. Departs from Kievsky Station at 9:30 am, arrives every other day at 10:45. In total it takes 2 days and 2 hours. It is necessary to cross several border points - naturally, since Ukraine and Russia are located between Russia and Bulgaria.
In connection with the events in Ukraine, I would not risk traveling by train. And the mileage is quite large - almost 2.2 thousand kilometers, to this you need to add stops at all border sections, each of which lasts about an hour. So it is not surprising that the train travels so long.
Then from the train station we walk on foot to the Yug bus station. It is located near the central railway station in the southern part of the city: at the end of the pedestrian street Aleksandrovskaya, on Queen Joanna Square, popularly known as Station Square.
Buses run from the bus station to Nessebar every 30 minutes. The fare is 1.25 €, 40 minutes on the road, and you are there.
By car
You can get from Burgas to Nessebar by car along the E87 highway. Having a map (and there are maps in every smartphone now) makes it difficult to get lost.
The road is good, along the coast. The main thing is not to drive past the turn to Nessebar.
Clue:
Nessebar - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 0
Kazan 0
Samara 1
Ekaterinburg 2
Novosibirsk 4
Vladivostok 7
When is the season? When is the best time to go
The season is approximately the same as at our Black Sea resorts: from June to the end of September. At the beginning of the season it can still be rainy and cool. The sea warms up well by the second decade of June.
In July, temperatures often rise above +30 °C. As for me, the sun is very aggressive, it is better to stock up on creams with a good degree of protection and do not forget about hats. There are winds at sea this month that bring algae.
By mid-August it is no longer so hot and the sea is very warm. Velvet season, it is also velvet season in Bulgaria.
Fruits and vegetables are sold in markets, bars and restaurants all 4 months. Particularly delicious are tomatoes, peppers and peaches.
The cost of fruit rises from June to July, the difference can be one and a half times. By August, the influx of tourists decreases, and with it prices.
If you are interested in more than just a beach holiday, then September is the best month to see all the sights without the crowds of tourists. And you can buy souvenirs for nothing.
In terms of prices, I want to say that you can find housing for 30 € per day - these are small studio apartments in residential buildings. During the season, the average price for a room in a 3 or 4 star hotel will be around 60–70 € per night.
Hostels in Nessebar, as far as I know, are the same 1 or 2 star hotels, they just accommodate 3-4 people per room. It will cost from 15 € per person. But still, more often than not, travelers who did not come on a tour package try to rent apartments or studios.
I prefer to search for hotels and inns on, but here is a link where you can compare prices from different sites.
What are the prices for holidays?
I have already spoken about housing prices. I'll tell you about other prices. They are very democratic, especially when compared with other European countries:
- The average check in a cafe or bar during the season per person is 8–10 € (15–20 BGN). For this money you will get a salad, a hot meat dish and a drink.
- Excursions such as a boat trip - from 15 € (25 BGN), tickets to museums - from 2 € (4 BGN), a bus excursion will cost from 10 to 50 € (20–100 BGN) depending on the direction.
- Taxi prices are steep - 1.5 € (3 BGN) per kilometer. Usually, each car has a price list attached to the window, and people drive according to the meter. But some cunning drivers have their meters spinning faster than their wheels. It is much more profitable to rent a car or use public transport, which runs on a schedule.
- Public transport within the city costs 1 € (2 BGN).
Main attractions. What to see
Nessebar itself is a museum city, taken under the protection of UNESCO, and this already says a lot.
Lovers of antiquity and history will definitely not be bored here, as well as photographers, artists and creative people. The old town immerses tourists in its atmosphere. The atmosphere is not the same as in the old cities of other countries, with a special Balkan flavor.
What to see:
- Archaeological Museum- lovers of ancient amphorae and gold jewelry.
- Medieval churches- perhaps the main highlight of the city with almost three thousand years of history.
- Wooden houses from the Bulgarian Revival period, built at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 19th centuries.
- Ancient amphitheater, in the summer, concerts of Bulgarian music and dance are held on its stage.
- ATo Paradise Vapark, the largest in the Balkans. Almost 46 hectares of unbridled fun on all kinds of slides, swimming pools and aqua bars in the New Town.
- - one of the most famous resorts in Bulgaria, located three kilometers from Nessebar. There you can find all the entertainment that was missing in Nessebar, including club nightlife :).
Beaches. Which ones are better
In the city
"Southern"
Beach between Nessebar and the village of Rada.
Yuzhny is worth a visit if only because of the Blue Flag awarded to it. Let me remind you that this is an international award given to beaches and marinas whose water meets high standards and is suitable for safe swimming.
The beach has all the infrastructure: umbrellas, sun loungers, lifeguards, cafes, etc. Part of the beach is conditionally paid, that is, you will have to pay for a sun lounger or a drink.
A leisurely walk to the beach from the outskirts of Old and New Nessebar takes about 35 minutes. Offhand it is about 3 kilometers. Buses No. 3, 7 and 11 go to Yuzhny.
In the country
Beaches of Sunny Beach
Sunny Beach is famous throughout Europe - 8 kilometers of golden sand, a gentle slope into the sea and a lot of entertainment from diving to horse riding.
The beaches of Sunny Beach can be reached, as I said earlier, on foot or by taxi.
Beaches of Pomorie
I can also recommend the Vostochny beach and the so-called beach on the spit of the town of Pomorie. Interestingly, the color of the sand on them is black.
“Vostochny” is a beach with all the necessary infrastructure. The most expensive places under wicker canopies will cost 25 € per day, four can easily accommodate there.
And the beach on the spit is wild. They say that if you walk a little further, you can wander into a nudist beach. I haven't gone that far myself.
The beaches are relatively close. You can get to them by car in 20–30 minutes or by regular bus (for example, No. 11).
You can find out more about the beaches of Pomorie and Sunny Beach in another article.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
As I wrote earlier, the most interesting thing in Nessebar is its medieval temples. You can walk around them in one day. Most likely you will see them all when you walk along the streets of the city.
The rest of the temples are also unusual and very beautiful: the Church of St. John Aliturgitos, the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Church of St. Stephen and others. More details can be found on site.
Some churches have an entrance fee of 1.5 € (3 BGN). Very annoying sellers of some kind of beads and strings for hands wander around others. If you are too lazy, they will tie such a string around your hand and demand about 3 € (6 BGN).
You can book a tour or join a tour group and find out all the details about each of the temples. And there are plenty of interesting things: these are churches without liturgy, buildings that miraculously survived earthquakes, ancient frescoes, as well as stories of miraculous healings.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
In Nessebar, as far as I know, there is one museum - the Archaeological Museum. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t there, and I can’t say whether it’s good or bad. The most valuable exhibits are in the Burgas Archaeological Museum. I think history buffs should go there.
What to see in the area
Sozopol
A beautiful ancient city with a rich history. The first settlements date back to the 3rd–4th centuries BC. e. The city was influenced by Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman cultures.
It is somewhat similar to Nessebar in architecture. Wooden houses from the 17th–19th centuries have survived to this day. All Orthodox medieval churches were partially or completely destroyed by the Turks. Interesting fact: during the Ottoman yoke, Christians were allowed to build churches no taller than a rider on a horse. Therefore, the Church of the Holy Virgin looks like an ordinary one-story house.
Near the city walls there is a so-called vampire cemetery. During excavations near the city wall, a burial was found - about 70 bodies, some of them pierced with stakes. Not a single gravestone inscription was found in the excavation area.
It is difficult to say what prompted contemporaries to recognize the people buried in Sozopol as vampires. No artifacts indicating the identity or status of the deceased were found at the site.
Seaside Park
I really liked it and recommend everyone to visit the Seaside Park of Burgas. In the 2000s, it was reconstructed, a lot of money was invested in this matter, and now it is rightfully considered the most beautiful park in Bulgaria. You can spend the whole day there, and, again, there is a gorgeous beach nearby.
In Burgas there is also a large Archaeological Museum, Aleksendrovsk boutique street, the ruins of the Rusokastro fortress, the archaeological complex Aqua Kalide... In general, it deserves a separate story.
Monastery of St. George
I advise all Orthodox believers to visit the monastery of St. George in the town of Pomorie. The holy spring located at the monastery and Orthodox prayer once helped the Turk Selim Bey to recover from an incurable illness. In gratitude, he donated these lands to the monks and allowed them to found a monastery there. Today you can stay there in cells for pilgrims for a nominal fee.
Unfortunately, there is nothing to see in Pomorie except the monastery. Its historical part was destroyed and went under water as a result of the earthquake.
Food. What to try
Bulgarian cuisine is understandable and close to Russian people. Many dishes have something in common with Russian and Ukrainian ones. I talked about all the dishes in more detail in a separate article. Read it, try it... I recommend it!
I also want to note that in Bulgaria there are very large portions on very large plates. Calculate your strength. Personally, I could never finish the first, second and salad. Let me remind you that the average bill for all this gluttony is 10 €, or even less if you eat not in tourist places. In bars and restaurants in the Old Town of Nessebar, prices are 30 percent higher.
There are markets in every city. But there are only vegetables and fruits.
There are no meat rows. Meat can be bought in special stores, they are called mesarnitsa. By the way, they are almost always sterile clean, because the meat is not chopped there. It is sawed with a special hacksaw. A set of such hacksaws usually hangs on the wall.
I want to tell you about one place, the Emona restaurant.
It is located on a cliff with an amazing view of the sea. A fresh sea breeze blows. All the bustle of the resort town disappears, thoughts fly somewhere far, far away. When you look at the sea horizon, one word comes to mind - serenity. This view is complemented by seagulls that fly so close that it seems like you can reach out and catch one of them.
Courteous staff who speak Russian tolerably well; the menu will also be offered in their native language. The food is very tasty, the menu is varied.
Prices are 15-20% higher than in a regular bar. The most expensive dishes are lobster for 90 € and lamb on a spit, but it must be ordered a day in advance, the dish is designed for a company of 8 people.
I haven’t tried the lobster or the lamb, but I can say that the kebab, baked potatoes and charcoal fish are to die for.
You can grab a quick bite on every street; there are inexpensive cafes and pizzerias.
Holidays
Throughout the season, some kind of festivals are held in Nessebar, celebrating the beginning of summer, mid-summer, harvest and, of course, celebrating religious holidays. City Day is celebrated in August. Those who like to immerse themselves in another culture, who love songs, dances, and folk costumes, will find it interesting.
One of the main holidays in the country is the Day of the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman yoke. Celebrated widely throughout the country on March 3.
The Bulgarians remember thanks to whom they got rid of the yoke, and are very grateful to the Russian people for this.
Safety. What to watch out for
I can say that at home “in the area” I feel more dangerous than in the resort areas of Bulgaria.
I'll tell you an interesting case. We stood on the embankment near the beach at night, admiring the scenery. A group of Bulgarian teenagers came ashore. “Well, that’s it,” I thought, “now there will be noise, screams, laughing.” But nothing disturbed the silence of the July night. The youth behaved as in the theater: quietly, decently. It seems like a small thing, but it’s ingrained in my memory.
Things to do
In Nessebar itself, apart from beach holidays and sightseeing, there is nothing to do. A variety of excursions offered by local travel companies (from 10 € and above) and the cheapness of car rental (more on this later) seem to hint: “Take the car you like, discover Bulgaria for yourself...”.
Clubs and nightlife
On vacation, you should definitely have fun at least once in a nightclub. There are plenty of them in Nessebar. Among the best are clubs such as Captain Jack's Night Club and Bedroom Beach.
Captain Jack's club is housed in a sailboat that is decorated like a pirate ship. It is moored to the shore on the east side of South Beach. Bedroom Beach is a rather original establishment; the club is designed as a bedroom on the beach. It has several seating areas, a dance floor and a bar.
A very famous club in the center of the resort that stands out among many is Mania. Three floors, accommodating 800 people, with a cocktail bar, disco and folk club.
I recommend it to those who are interested in club life and want to keep abreast of all events. There are club addresses, theme party schedules and prices.
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
A driver's license and international passport are sufficient documents. The price of gasoline fluctuates around 1 € per liter.
We rented a small SUV for 45 €. There are no complaints about the car - a clean, well-kept interior, nothing knocking or rattling.
I almost forgot to say. If you go by car to the Old Town, be sure to leave it in the parking lot. It won't be difficult to find it, there are signs everywhere. Otherwise, the car will be taken to the impound lot, they are strict with this matter.
If this happens, and the car was rented, it is better to call Rent-A-Car, explain the situation, and find out where the car was picked up from. They will tell you where to look for it, and perhaps they will pick it up themselves for an additional fee.
Nessebar - holidays with children
The first thing I noticed at Burgas airport was the number of children per square meter. In this way it is very similar to Anapa airport.
Parents with children choose a holiday in Nessebar and Golden Sands for many reasons. This includes a mild climate, a gentle slope into the sea and a safe bottom, vacation prices are lower, and the service is better than at the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory.
Almost every hotel has an animator and children's corners, as well as shallow pools. Children love it in Bulgaria.
Nessebar is a very beautiful Bulgarian town, and also very old, it is more than 2000 years old. It is considered to be almost the oldest city in Europe. Of course, there are now a large number of modern hotels and tourist complexes operating in the city. But despite this, the city, which is located on a small peninsula, is still very romantic and elegantly ancient.
Even before our era, at the beginning of the first millennium, there was already a Thracian settlement here, which was later turned into a Greek colony. Towers, ruins of the fortress wall, gates, ruins of Byzantine baths, and reliefs remind of those times in Old Nessebar. Archaeological work continues to this day, as the city land still holds many secrets. 
At the end of the first century AD, a very tragic event took place in Nessebar - the execution of the first Christian woman, the Great Martyr St. Irene of Macedon.
The heyday of culture and economy in Nessebar occurred in the 13th–14th centuries, but, unfortunately, this time did not last long; in 1452, the city was captured by Turkish troops. From the time of Ottoman rule, the city has preserved Turkish baths and an old fountain.
In 1956, Nessebar was awarded the honorary title of a museum city, and since 1983 the city has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 
In the city, first of all, you should visit the Christian churches and cathedrals, which amaze with their beautiful decoration and sophistication, as well as the western fortress wall with gates. In addition to architectural monuments, Nessebar is proud of its sandy beaches, restaurants and cozy cafes. Not far from the old town there is a very famous Bulgarian resort - Sunny Beach.
Nessebar is one of the oldest cities in Europe - the first mention of it was found in a manuscript that is more than 3000 years old! The city is quiet, charming and impressively pretty. Its narrow cobblestone streets and small wooden buildings create a unique old-world atmosphere. It is important to note that Old Nessebar today is a museum town and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Fantastic landscapes, coupled with historical monuments that are found here at almost every turn, attract not only ordinary tourists, but also representatives of bohemia to the city. Where else to look for inspiration and peace from the bustle of the world, if not here? Walking along the cobbled streets of Old Nessebar, you can easily meet a famous artist, writer or actor.
And the city is truly inspiring... It is surrounded by the remains of fortress walls built by the ancient Thracians, and the very old Eastern Gate of Nessebar is crowned by two beautiful pentagonal towers. On the territory of the settlement you will see a large number of churches, but only one of them remains active - the Church of the Holy Mother of God, which contains a miraculous icon. Every August, thousands of pilgrims from all over the world flock to bow to her. Information boards are located next to each historical site of the city, allowing tourists to explore the ancient city without the involvement of a guide. Families who come to Old Nessebar with children can alternate sightseeing with relaxing at one of the playgrounds that can be found on the streets of the city. Lots of cute souvenir shops with a huge variety of trinkets and souvenirs are another fun activity, especially since the shops contain many items and toys for young tourists.
Old Nessebar occupies a very small peninsula, the width of which barely reaches 300 meters, and the length is just over 800 meters. The peninsula has a thin connection with the mainland in the form of a narrow isthmus, which during a raging sea is completely flooded with waves. The solitude and distance from the modern world is especially felt here in bad weather, when the old city is cut off from the mainland. However, you should not be afraid of this phenomenon - with the end of the storm, the narrow streets are again filled with newly arrived tourists. First of all, they rush to the main attraction of the city - an ancient three-story mill, built during the Bulgarian Renaissance. It is located at the very entrance to Nessebar. The Nessebar retro parade, famous throughout Bulgaria, starts from this ancient city symbol. The city continues to carry out infill development, while houses are allowed to be built exclusively in the old style. This means that the buildings must have a stone first floor and a wooden second floor. In this way, the authorities are trying to preserve the unique spirit of the ancient city.
If you find yourself in Old Nessebar late in the evening, you don’t have to worry about accommodation for the night - there are a large number of hotels and inns located in old houses. We recommend a trip to Old Nessebar for guests of the southern coast of Bulgaria. You can easily reach this city on foot from new Nessebar and by car and public transport from Pomorie, St. Vlas and a number of other resorts. The main thing is to keep in mind the peculiarities of city streets. All of them are paved with stones and paving stones, which are difficult to navigate with a stroller. Therefore, it is better to postpone a trip to Nessebar with a small child until better times.
A long time ago, about three thousand years ago, on a small peninsula, the length of which is a little more than 800 meters and the width of only 300 meters, a fishing town was founded, which has now turned into a beautiful and interesting city-museum for tourists, included in the UNESCO list as settlement belonging to the world cultural heritage. A winding dam 400 meters long leads to Old Nessebar, along the sides of which the gentle warm sea splashes, swans sway on the waves, and on the road there is an old mill. Tourists, entering Old Nessebar, plunge into the romance of ancient narrow streets, as if straight from the pages of fairy tales. Everything here is steeped in history, and the cobbled streets still echo the footsteps of people who walked along them in ancient times.
Old city
Behind the dam, right behind the monument to the patron saint of fishermen - St. Nicholas - parking lots have been built, since entry into the city, protected by UNESCO, is, of course, prohibited, but this circumstance should not frighten tourists, because it is not difficult to get around the peninsula, and you can have a snack in cozy coffee shops or restaurants that can be found on any street. There are many small shops selling all sorts of things and street stalls in the city; you can even buy fish freshly caught in the local port. Particularly interesting are the paintings sold on the streets by local artists, which you can buy for yourself as a souvenir. To fully experience the atmosphere of this amazing city, you can rent accommodation in local houses of colorful construction, where a spacious second floor made of wood is built on the stone foundation of the first floor.
Story
Every year, archaeologists find on the peninsula traces of ancient civilizations and cultures lost for millennia. Once upon a time, around the end of the seventh century BC, Melsambria, a Thracian settlement, was built in these places. Centuries later, the settlement turned into a city conducting brisk trade with the countries of the Black Sea and Mediterranean coasts. Archaeological finds dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, when Nessebar reached its peak, can be seen in the city's archaeological museum. Natural disasters that occurred in ancient times did not spare the peninsula; almost half of its lands were swallowed up by the sea, and today, when the sea is calm and the weather is clear, you can see the remains of an ancient port, fortress walls and towers hidden at a depth of about a hundred meters from the shore .
Old Nessebar survived both the rule of the Roman Empire and its entry into Byzantium. The ruins of limestone towers, fortress walls, temples and aqueducts remind us of those times. In 1304, Byzantine rule came to an end and Nessebar was annexed to Bulgaria by the Bulgarian king Theodore Svyatoslav Terter. Unfortunately, in the fifteenth century the city fell during the war with the Turks, which was devastating for Bulgaria. Many unique architectural monuments, churches and even fortress walls were destroyed. For a long time, Old Nessebar was a “provincial” town, where residents lived from fishing and agriculture, and only in the twentieth century the city began to develop intensively thanks to tourism that was actively developing in Bulgaria.
Sights of Old Nessebar
The main attractions of the city include the architecture of houses built during the Bulgarian Renaissance, that is, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The roofs and balconies of white stone buildings with wooden bay windows are decorated with reliefs and fine, skillfully executed carvings. You can get acquainted with the life of the inhabitants of this fertile era in the ethnographic museum.
The archaeological museum opened in 1994 is very interesting in its exhibition, where visitors can see gold coins and jewelry from the Thracian era and finds dating back to the era of Roman rule. This museum displays a large collection of icons.
The miraculous icon of the Holy Virgin is located in the active Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and believers on the eve of the holiday dedicated to the Holy Virgin come to it in the hope of being healed of their ailments. Some surviving churches have been converted into art galleries. The famous churches of Old Nessebar include the Church of St. Stephen, inside of which a carved iconostasis of the sixteenth century has been preserved. The temple acts as a museum and the entrance fee is 5 leva for adults and 2 leva for children.
The Cathedral of Christ Pantocrator is a true pearl of architecture in Old Nessebar.
The ancient town of Nessebar will enchant you with its amazing history and unique beauty. Here you can enjoy delicious exotic dishes prepared from seafood, and stay in hotels on the peninsula with a high level of service.