Things to Do in Sozopol

Quite apt to its name the first signs in Sozopol go as far back as 6000 B.C. Facing east towards the Black Sea, Sozopol is a nice peninsular town with a rich history. Being a port city it was known for its trade from a long time. The city during 610 BC was known as Antheia by Greek settlers. Several ancient and antique objects are housed in the Museum of Ancient Art. In fact the entire Old town was declared a museum-reserve by Ministerial Decree on September 7, 1974. The reserve includes more than 180 residences, constructed from the middle of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century. With its archaeological sites and cobbled streets around the city, they add a distinct charm to this cultural capital of Bulgaria.

A castle in every sense but historical, the Ravadinovo is a masterpiece. You might mistake it for an ancient castle but it’s actually a modern project designed to look like a medieval castle. Built with stones on a sprawling area of 30,000sqm the castle has a garden, artificial lake, lot of big halls which gives a royal feel. It also has a wine cellar which you can taste if you wish. At night the look and feel of the castle from the grounds is even more brilliant with the all the lightings. Some think it’s akin to Disneyland, other’s feel it reminds them of Hogwarts. Whatever it may be it can only be decided after a visit.

This simple fortress near milet is nice place to visit, especially during twilight. A smaller part of a larger whole the walls were once a part of an Aphrodite temple. There’s also very small museum attached to the wall known as the Tower Museum. It houses exhibits from the 17th and 18th century, artefacts and paintings. Lined with a lot of restaurants nearby, this rocky coastline seems even more spectacular night.

This interesting museum houses a great collection of artefacts from the time the Greeks set foot on Sozopol. Divided into two sections, the first section has exhibits like stone and lead anchors, bayonets, Greek painted vases from the 6th century B.C. the other section comprises of medieval art amphorae, relics of John The Baptist and other Christian art. Apparently it also has a skeleton of local ‘vampire’ found with an iron rod pierced through its chest.

One of the two most popular beach, The Harmani Beach is located in the new part of the Sozopol town. The multi floored hotels as the back drop and a nice warm to feel to the beach makes it one of the coolest relaxing spot for people. Due to the tall smooth tides it’s the perfect place for surfing. There are life guards and bay watch people at the beach who issue security warnings when the tide is high.

Located in the Old town the church is dedicated to St. George this church was built during the 19th century. For a long time Sozopol had been subjugated under the ottoman rule. After their regime ended Christianity started deepening even more. This is one such small and simple church in the old town. The painting of St. George fighting a dragon on the entrance is interesting.

One of the two best beaches in Sozopol, The Kavasite beach is popular among tourists and locals. It’s known for its clean waters, fine sand and a wide area. There are spaces for 200 tents and 60 caravans in the camping site. The resort area nearby also includes many hotels, restaurants and a variety of water attractions for the kids. Although it gets crowded during August the cliff area generally remains quiet and is the best place for snorkelling.

This is a simple gallery where you not only can take a look at some of the most beautiful paintings and ceramic work by local artists but also a place where you can buy them. Along with paintings there are woodcarvings, old photos of Sozopol and other artistic stuff that’ll make for great souvenirs can be bought form here.

Located in the old town the church reminds us of the time when Sozopol was under the Turks when the Ottoman Empire ruled Bulgaria. As a result they banned all tall buildings and hence the church was constructed with half of its structure buried in the ground. Built during the 15th century the church was mainly constructed with wood and was decorated with iconostasis and fine woodcarving by the locals. It also has a huge fig tree in its compound.