Sozopol

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.

Sozopol’s beaches

Near Sozopol there are wonderful wide beaches with a thin golden sand:
the Central beach – between the old and the new town, close to the park;
the Harmanite beach – offers many different beach attractions;
the Golden fish beach, also known as king’s beach, is situated on a quiet and calm bay.

The old Sozopol

This is a favorite tourist spot with an unforgettable atmosphere of narrow stone streets, old stone walls, wooden windows, fisherman’s boats and nets. With a fine collection of cozy restaurants offering fresh fish, traditional meals, cocktails and desserts, it is the ideal place for any hungry tourist, who can walk off that fabulous meal by visiting the stands and small shops which offer souvenirs and arts.
In the town of Sozopol tourists can visit the Historical museum, Christian churches, and the ruins of St. John’s monastery, which is situated on the big island.

Historical museum
The town displays many unique cultural monuments, tombstones, and anchors from the ancient Apolonia.

Culture festival “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