- Ancient City of Nessebar
Location: Nessebar, Bulgaria
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: The Ancient City of Nessebar is a well-preserved example of a fortified coastal town that dates back to the Antiquity, when it was founded by the Thracians. The city was subsequently inhabited by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Bulgarians, and each of these cultures left their mark on the city's architecture and cultural heritage.
Prominent Features: The Ancient City of Nessebar is notable for its well-preserved architecture, which includes a mix of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Bulgarian styles. Some of the most prominent features of the city include:
The Old Bishop's Residence: This 11th century building was once the residence of the bishop of Nessebar and is notable for its impressive architecture and intricate frescoes.
The Church of St. Stephen: This church was built in the 11th century and features impressive frescoes and a beautiful carved wooden iconostasis.
The Church of St. John the Baptist: This church dates back to the 10th century and is notable for its well-preserved frescoes and beautiful architecture.
The City Walls: The ancient city is surrounded by fortified walls that were built during the Byzantine era. The walls are well-preserved and offer stunning views of the city and the sea.
History: The Ancient City of Nessebar was founded by the Thracians in the 2nd millennium BCE and subsequently inhabited by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Bulgarians. The city was an important center of trade and culture, and its architecture and cultural heritage reflect the influence of each of these civilizations. Today, the city is an important cultural and historical site in Bulgaria.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ancient city's many museums and galleries, including the Nessebar Archaeological Museum, which features a collection of ancient artifacts and exhibits on the city's history. There are also several beaches and water sports activities available in the surrounding area.
Fun Fact: The Ancient City of Nessebar was the birthplace of the 14th century Bulgarian writer, Grigorii Tsamblak.
Entry Fees: As of 2021, the standard admission fee for adults is 10 Bulgarian lev (approximately 5 euro) per person. For students and seniors, the admission fee is 5 Bulgarian lev (approximately 2.5 euro) per person. Children under the age of 7 can enter for free.
How to Reach It: By Car: The Ancient City of Nessebar is located about 35 kilometers from the city of Burgas. There is a parking lot near the entrance to the city.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect Burgas with Nessebar. The bus station in Burgas is located near the city center, and the journey to Nessebar takes about 40 minutes. From the bus stop in Nessebar, it's a short walk to the entrance of the city
Where to Stay: There are many options for accommodation in and around Nessebar, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Some popular options include:
Sol Nessebar Mare - This 4-star hotel is located on the beach in Nessebar and offers comfortable rooms, several pools, and a spa.
Guest House Nessebar - This guesthouse is located in the historic center of Nessebar and offers traditional Bulgarian-style rooms and a courtyard.
Villa Bora - This guesthouse is located in the nearby town of Ravda and offers comfortable rooms with balconies and a shared kitchen.
Hotel Festa Panorama - This 4-star hotel is located on a hill
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: The Ancient City of Nessebar is a well-preserved example of a fortified coastal town that dates back to the Antiquity, when it was founded by the Thracians. The city was subsequently inhabited by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Bulgarians, and each of these cultures left their mark on the city's architecture and cultural heritage.
Prominent Features: The Ancient City of Nessebar is notable for its well-preserved architecture, which includes a mix of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Bulgarian styles. Some of the most prominent features of the city include:
The Old Bishop's Residence: This 11th century building was once the residence of the bishop of Nessebar and is notable for its impressive architecture and intricate frescoes.
The Church of St. Stephen: This church was built in the 11th century and features impressive frescoes and a beautiful carved wooden iconostasis.
The Church of St. John the Baptist: This church dates back to the 10th century and is notable for its well-preserved frescoes and beautiful architecture.
The City Walls: The ancient city is surrounded by fortified walls that were built during the Byzantine era. The walls are well-preserved and offer stunning views of the city and the sea.
History: The Ancient City of Nessebar was founded by the Thracians in the 2nd millennium BCE and subsequently inhabited by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Bulgarians. The city was an important center of trade and culture, and its architecture and cultural heritage reflect the influence of each of these civilizations. Today, the city is an important cultural and historical site in Bulgaria.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the ancient city's many museums and galleries, including the Nessebar Archaeological Museum, which features a collection of ancient artifacts and exhibits on the city's history. There are also several beaches and water sports activities available in the surrounding area.
Fun Fact: The Ancient City of Nessebar was the birthplace of the 14th century Bulgarian writer, Grigorii Tsamblak.
Entry Fees: As of 2021, the standard admission fee for adults is 10 Bulgarian lev (approximately 5 euro) per person. For students and seniors, the admission fee is 5 Bulgarian lev (approximately 2.5 euro) per person. Children under the age of 7 can enter for free.
How to Reach It: By Car: The Ancient City of Nessebar is located about 35 kilometers from the city of Burgas. There is a parking lot near the entrance to the city.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect Burgas with Nessebar. The bus station in Burgas is located near the city center, and the journey to Nessebar takes about 40 minutes. From the bus stop in Nessebar, it's a short walk to the entrance of the city
Where to Stay: There are many options for accommodation in and around Nessebar, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Some popular options include:
Sol Nessebar Mare - This 4-star hotel is located on the beach in Nessebar and offers comfortable rooms, several pools, and a spa.
Guest House Nessebar - This guesthouse is located in the historic center of Nessebar and offers traditional Bulgarian-style rooms and a courtyard.
Villa Bora - This guesthouse is located in the nearby town of Ravda and offers comfortable rooms with balconies and a shared kitchen.
Hotel Festa Panorama - This 4-star hotel is located on a hill