



Sozopol is the oldest town on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The first settlement dates back to the Fourth and Third Centuries B.C. Underwater explorations of the area surrounding the port reveal bronze era relics of dwellings, ceramic pottery, stone and bone tools. In the Sozopol bay many anchors from the first and second century B.C .have been discovered, giving evidence of an active shipping culture since ancient times.
The town was established as a trade and naval center. It kept strong political and trade relations with the great cities of Elda – Milet, Athena, Corinth, Heraklea Pontica and the islands – Rhodes, Xiao’s, Lesbos, etc. Its trade influence in the Thracian territories was based on a treaty with the rulers of the Odrissian kingdom, back at the fifth century B.C. The symbol of the town – the anchor, present on all coins, minted by Apollonian since sixth century B.C., is proof of the importance of a great maritime culture. The wealthy, vibrant town soon became an important cultural and intellectual center, called Apollonian Magna (Great). The ancient icons and magnificent woodcarving iconostasis’s are a remarkable demonstration of the skilled craftsmanship. The architecture of the houses in the old town dates back to the renaissance period, making it a very rich, beautiful, and historically important place to visit today.
Historical museum
The town displays many unique cultural monuments, tombstones, and anchors from the ancient Apolonia.
At the beginning of September each year, the Old Town hosts the cultural festival “Apolonia”. Sozopol attracts Bulgarian artists from different fields. The best examples of Bulgarian culture are put on display during the Festival and everyone can enjoy the concerts, theatres, exhibitions.
Culture festival “Apolonia” – apollonia.bg
This site is created by Darina Stoyanova.