Sights Varna, Bulgaria

Monastery Aladja
The most famous medieval rock monastery of the Bulgarian Black Sea Aladzha (Aladzha Monastery) is located 4 kilometers south of
Sea resort Golden Sands (Golden Sands) and 16 km from Varna. The name of the monastery (in Turkish word "aladzha" means a motley,
colorful) probably comes from the colored murals that adorn carved into the rock a small church. The premises of the monastery, carved into the limestone cliff about 40 meters in height, located on two levels, connected by a wooden staircase outside. At the bottom tier are the monastery church, monastic cells, a kitchen, refectory, the church for the funeral, burial vault and utility rooms. The second floor of the monastery is a natural rocky niche in the eastern end of which lies the monastery chapel.

History of the monastery fascinates visitors with myths and assumptions. For example, there is a legend that the monastic life has faded during the Turkish rule over Bulgaria in the late 14 th century.

According to historical data, the first primitive monastic cells of the monastery were built in 4 th century. The monastery, as expected, was built in the 12 th century during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (Second Bulgarian kingdom). Unfortunately, at present only a small part of the monastic frescoes, mainly in the chapel. Masters, who painted the monastery, the researchers attribute to the Turnovo school of painting.

The top floor of the monastery is spectacular view of the sea coast, unconsciously envy the monks, who could every day to enjoy such beauty.

Since 1906, the monastery Aladzha operates as a museum and tourist center. In 1912 he declared a monument of antiquity, and in 1957 - a cultural monument of national significance. In 1975-77 gg. built museum building, which except for a permanent exhibition on the history of cave monasteries, organized annual exhibitions of interest.

At a distance of less than one kilometer to the west are the remains of another cave monastery complex, the architecture is similar to the Aladzhov, which nowadays is called the Catacombs (Katakombite). Catacombs almost did not survive. During excavations, archaeologists have discovered pottery here and coins. These findings demonstrate that the Catacombs were inhabited by people in the early period of Christianity between the 4 th and 6 th centuries.

From Varna to rock monastery Aladzha can be reached by a well-equipped vehicles on paved roads. From the Golden Sands path to the monastery is confined to a bus stop, which can be overcome by foot, by combining a pleasant walk from the magnificent scenery surrounding area.

Seaside Garden
Located on the shores of the Black Sea Seaside Garden (Varna's Seaside Garden) - the biggest entertainment park in Varna. On its territory are Dolphinarium, Aquarium, Maritime Museum, Natural History Museum, the Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium, the Roman baths.

Dolphinarium (the Dolphinarium)
Dolphinarium in Varna - the only one on the Balkan Peninsula. During the 40-minute show dolphins and killer whales show skillful tricks, play with the audience and sing. In 1992 there appeared the first baby, which indicates favorable habitat in Varnovskom Dolphinarium. Presentations are held three times a day. Entrance fee: 17 lion.

Phone: +359 5 144 320, +359 5 144 329

Aquarium (the Aquarium)
The most famous attraction in Varna - Aquarium - founded in 1912 by King Ferdinand (Tsar Ferdinand). Originally housed the Naval Engineering School, then fishing school, and only 17 September, 1932 Aquarium opens to the public. Peculiar facade is made in the form of a huge bas-relief oysters. In the central hall of the Aquarium is a unique collection of freshwater and tropical fish in the adjacent halls displaying typical representatives of flora and fauna of the Black Sea.

Maritime Museum (the Maritime museum)
Maritime Museum was founded in 1923 by a group of enthusiasts, he initially rasmeschalsya at the Naval School. In 1956 the museum moved to Villa Diana (Villa Diana) in the Seaside garden of Varna. Villa was built in 1890 for the Italian consul Asaretto (Asaretto). In the garden under the open sky is the collection of naval weapons, there is an old lighthouse that once stood in the port of Varna. Maritime History of Varna from ancient times to the present day is represented in 12 halls of the museum. One of the rare museum specimens - torpedo boat Drazki (Drazki), a well-known fact that sank the Turkish cruiser Hamidi (Hamidie) during the First Balkan War of 1912.

Roman Baths (Roman Baths)
Roman baths in Varna relate to the period of the Roman Empire. The remaining part of the building, suggests that these buildings were the largest in the eastern part of the Empire. Height of dome-shaped structures were not less than 20 hours Baths were built in the second half of the 2 nd century on an area of 7000 square meters. The thick walls were built on a specific technology: alternating layers of stone blocks with 5-6 layers of solid clay bricks. Internal staircase and arches on the sides are made of large stone blocks. In some places you can see fragments of the magnificent mosaics, which, together with fragments of marble and stone columns decorated building. Passing through the spacious halls, which served as a natural barrier of cold air, visitors find themselves in a large hall area of 840 square meters - Balestra (balestra). This hall served as a gathering place for citizens to discuss important issues of public life. In the baths had a complicated heating system, which included a double floor and special hollows through which hot air reached the roof. Collection of shops, game rooms, halls for bathing in cold, warm and hot water, rest rooms - now we can only guess what life was in turmoil here thousands of years ago.

Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium (the Astronomical observatory and planetarium)
The first astronomical complex in Bulgaria was officially opened in Varna, May 22, 1968. It consisted of an observatory, planetarium and a tower with a pendulum named Nicholas Copernicus. The first head of the observatory was Nikolai Petrov. Since 1973, the Observatory organizes the annual National Youth astronomical conference.

Tel. +359 52 684 441 or +359 52 684 444

Natural History Museum (the Museum of Natural History)
In the Museum of Natural History provided a rich diversity of flora and fauna of the Black Sea coast. The exhibition consists of three sections: geology, flora and fauna. The geological section presents samples of ores and minerals north-eastern Bulgaria, Mesozoic and Tertiary fossils, and fauna of these geological periods. In the second section comprises of vegetation of the Black Sea coast: seaweed, salt, sand and forest plants. Fauna represented vertebrate and invertebrate animals - from unicellular organisms to mammals. In the scientific sense, exposure is based on evolutionary principles.

Tel.: +359 52 223 585.