Sozopol

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL LANDMARKS 1. The old town of Sozopol - Architectural and historical reserve since 1974 Culture and art in Sozopol are highly valued and visible everywhere. Its charm comes not only from local artists’ works but also from the Old Town’s architecture, declared an architectural and historical reserve in 1974. Over 180 houses from the 18th–19th centuries are preserved, with narrow cobbled streets and “rimni.” Facades are simple, with bay windows and wooden paneling, influenced by Strandzha traditions. 2. Ethnographic Museum Housed in the “Kurtidi” house, a Bulgarian Renaissance architectural monument, the museum recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Sozopol home. Its authentic yard features sheds and verandas with looms, wine barrels, grape-crushing tools, and household items. With over 300 donated exhibits, it showcases traditional fabrics, costumes, rugs, aprons, and tools reflecting local life and crafts. 3. Art Gallery The building, constructed in 1991 on a rocky shore, is a cultural monument that once served as a school and now houses an Art Gallery. Its two floors display around 300 works, including paintings, graphics, and sculptures, featuring pieces by marine artist Prof. Alexander Mutafov. The gallery also hosts seasonal exhibitions and international plein air events. 4. The church “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” The Church of St. Cyril and Methodius, built in 1889 by Usta Gencho Kanev, is a three-nave basilica. Once outside the town and used only on major holidays, it later served as a museum and warehouse. Restored and reopened in 2011, it now features a 22 m bell tower. Since 2012, it houses relics of St. John the Baptist, discovered in Sozopol, and an 18th-century carved iconostasis. 5. The Church of St. George the Victorious The Church of St. George the Victorious in Sozopol’s Old Town dates to the 17th century, built on an earlier basilica. Reconstructed several times, it was last restored in 1991. The church houses valuable 19th-century icons and sacred relics, including fragments linked to St. Andrew, St. Nicholas, and St. John of Rila. From September to May, it displays the relics of St. John the Baptist. 6. The Church of the Assumption The Church of the Assumption was built in the 15th century. It is located in the old town, dug deep into the ground and built on the foundations of an earlier medieval church. The exquisite wood-carved iconostasis, which invariably arouses the admiration of visitors, dates from the XVIII century and in 1962 was designated an artistic cultural monument of national importance. 7. The church “St. Zosim Sozopolski” The Church of St. Zosim Sozopolski, built in 1857 on medieval foundations, is located in the town park. Its icons were painted by Revival artist Dimitar Sozopolchanina. Named after St. Zosim, a 1st-century martyr under Emperor Trajan, it honors his sacrifice for the Christian faith. His memory is celebrated on June 19, and he remains highly revered in Sozopol. NATURAL PHENOMENA AND PROTECTED AREAS 1. Palikari rock Sozopol is located on a rocky peninsula, which has some of the most indescribable sunrises and sunsets. Palikari Rock Formation, whose name in Greek means boy/young man, is named after a tragic legend about a young swimmer who loved to jump and dive from this place, but one day remained trapped in a miniature cave under water. Today it is a favorite place for some of the most romantic meetings between lovers. 2. Agalina cape Agalina Cape, declared a natural landmark, is a place that undoubtedly captivates everyone with its atypical shapes. Agalina is located south of the town of Sozopol. Agalina is a rock phenomenon and has been declared a natural landmark, which extends over 27.2 hectares. It represents interesting rock formations with specific vegetation. The area was included in the list of natural landmarks in 1980. 3. Beaches Sozopol and its surroundings offer 17 clean beaches with soft golden sand, some awarded the Blue Flag for high environmental standards. To the north are Gradina and Zlatna Ribka, known for wide shores and gentle seabeds. The small central beach suits families, while Harmani is a popular large beach. Southward lie Paradise Bay, Kavatsi, Smokinya, and Veselie, plus the protected Aleppu dunes nearby. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS 1. Castle “In love with the Wind” Majestic castle and beautiful park with thousands of exotic trees, plants and flowers. Several deep-sea lakes with freshwater fish and waterfowl. Chapel, horse riding, petting zoo, Fountain of Wishes, beautiful marble and bronze statues and exhibitions, wooden sculptures, throne rooms, winery, Art gallery which houses the Porcelain Museum and the Museum of Ancient Maps. It is located in the village of Ravadinovo, in close proximity to the town of Sozopol. 2. The Upside Down House The Upside Down House in Chernomorets, across from Gradina campsite, offers a unique experience. All furniture is inverted, perfect for fun photos. This spacious family home features a kitchen, living room, bedrooms, library, and more. The yard includes interactive attractions like a running wheel, seabed wall, diving helmet, knowledge-pouring petrol pump, round tennis table, wheel of fortune, and various games. ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES 1. Archaeological Museum Established in 1961, the Archaeological Museum – Sozopol showcases the city’s rich heritage and is part of Bulgaria’s “100 National Tourist Sites.” Its exhibits span from the 5th millennium BC to the 18th century AD, including the largest collection of ancient Greek vases in Bulgaria, stone and lead anchors, amphorae, marble friezes, terracotta figurines, and the oldest water supply system in the country, highlighting ancient Apollonia’s history. 2. South fortress wall and Monastery of St. Nicholas The archaeological complex at the entrance of Sozopol’s Old Town was studied from 2008–2013. It spans layers from ancient Apollonia to medieval Sozopol (7th century BC – 17th century AD). Highlights include the late antique fortress walls (4th–6th c. AD), a second wall encircling the peninsula (6th–14th c. AD), and a 7th-century one-nave church with a ceramic vessel preserving saintly relics. 3. The Old Metropolitan The Old Metropolitan (10th–17th c. AD) is Medieval Sozopol’s largest basilica and monastery center. Excavations revealed a granary, cistern, baptistery, marble details, murals, mosaics, and over 500 graves. Beneath it lie residential and water installations (5th–2nd c. BC) and a Hellenistic temple, with Thracian, East Greek, and painted pottery showing occupation from the 7th–1st c. BC.