The ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’ is impatient to see you enjoying your Bulgaria vacation
Bulgaria vacation in Nessebar – the scent of the sea and of journey through times long since passed Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’ and ‘Bulgaria’s Dubrovnik’, Nessebar is more like a magical and timeless feeling than a resort. Windmills, ancient fortresses and sea depths that keep ancient secrets… This is not a fairytale for times long since passed but the decor of a modern and contemporary town – Nessebar, perfect for a great Bulgaria vacation and private tour Bulgaria.
Nessebar is a town with ancient and rich history. It is in the central part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, about 30 km away from Burgas. The ancient part of the town is situated on a peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow man-made isthmus. Variety of different civilizations, that occupied the place, left their marks. As a result, in 1983 UNESCO included Nessebar in its list of World Heritage Sites. This is due to the many historic buildings in the town. Thus it made the town a desired place for a memorable Bulgaria vacation.
Enjoy the ‘multi-coloured’ Bulgaria tourism in Nessebar
The hard task is for the tourists now – how to capture all the beauty of Nessebar!? With a camera, through knowledge or experience, or simply by touching an ancient stone… Or why not use all of these and plunge into the adventure of living Nessebar.
This lovely coastal town owes its rich history to the fact that it has on several occasions been on the frontier of a threatened empire. Originally Nessebar is a Thracian settlement which people knew as Melsembria or Melsambria. This meant “the town of Melsas” – the legendary founder of the place. At the beginning of the 6th century BC the first Greek settlers arrived and they built temples, a school, a theatre. Centuries later the town fell under Roman rule. Nessebar was one of the most important fortresses of the Byzantine Empire. Then it became part of the First Bulgarian Empire and Second Bulgarian Empire till 1453. Then eventually Nesssebar was captured by the Turks. (Istanbul day tours )
Different periods of Nessebar
All the different periods in the life of Nessebar left their traces (that makes the place so good for varied possibilities for Bulgaria vacation). There are the remains of the Roman and Medieval walls and the Byzantine and Bulgarian churches. There are also the old houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The town is especially proud of its churches, no matter if you are a worshipper or not. The church of St. Sofia, known as the Old Metropolitan church, and the Basilica of the Holy Mother of God Eleusa date back to the early Byzantine period. The church of St. John the Baptist from the 11th century is distinguished for its cylinder dome. Whereas St. Stephen’s church is remarkable for its frescoes from the 16th century.
Whether built during the Byzantine, Bulgarian or Ottoman rule of the city, the churches of Nessebar represent the rich architectural heritage of the Eastern Orthodox world. And they also illustrate the gradual development from Early Christian basilicas to medieval cross-domed churches. Characteristic is the multi-coloured design of the facades. People can see it in the churches of St. Theodore, St. Paraskevi, church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The church of Christ Pantocrator is a typical example of that style of architecture that is next to perfection…….
Bulgaria vacation – The Revival Period houses
Many houses from the Revival Period are well-preserved. They are typical for the Black Sea architecture. Five museum expositions keep the cultural heritage of Nessebar. There is a rich collection of objects from Antiquity, middle Ages and the Revival Period.
Today the old part of Nessebar is an attractive place for romantic walks along the narrow cobbled streets, among the small shops selling handmade souveniers, knitting and crochets, jewellery. The town with its splendid antique atmosphere gives an opportunity for recreation and leisure. The new part of Nessebar is the centre of the administrative life. It has a modern style of architecture. Wide beaches, sand dunes, a variety of water sports, yacht cruises, boat trips, fishing trips… And many other kinds of entertainment; windmills, ancient fortresses, churches… This is not a fairytale for times long since passed but the decor of a modern and contemporary town – Nessebar. Get your cameras, swimming costumes and good mood and plunge into the beauty of Nessebar for a long-to-remember Bulgaria vacation. Do not hesitate to contact us for a Bulgaria tour that appeals to you, as well as for Sofia guided tours.
More Black Sea Bulgaria Tours
Burgas tour
Go for Nessebar! Old town is a place worth being seen. Nessebar is not sea only but history as well.
I absolutely loved Nessebar. Went there on a two-week holiday and will go again. What you say here in this good article, I lived it. I only couldn’t visit the churches and the museum. But how could I? I enjoyed summer only:-) I think Nessebar will be good in winter as well. Am I right? What is there to do in winter?
Hello Steven and Anne, you made a good choice for your summer holiday. In winter Nessebar is quiet and not busy but still a great place to relax. That is the time you can visit the churches, the museum and enjoy the architecture of the town.
I just came back home from my great vacation in Nessebar. Can’t wait to go there again. I had great time!