Varna (Bulgaria)

Varna is a Black Sea port city located at the mouth of Provadiya River. The city covers a total area of approx 154 km2 (60 mi2) and has population around 340,000. Port Varna has locode BGVAR.

Varna is the 3rd largest city in Bulgaria as well as the largest city and seaside resort on Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast.

The city is also a major center for transportation, business, education, healthcare, tourism and entertainment. It is referred to as Bulgaria's maritime capital and headquarters Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine. In 2014, the city was awarded the title European Youth Capital 2017.

With a long history stretching back to the 6th century BC, Varna was famous in the days of ancient Greeks as Odessos. It was one of the most important port towns of the Black Sea. Cossacks, Crusaders, Romans and Turks all fought over the fertile region with its trade links to the east. In 1828 the Russians captured Varna during the war for liberation of Greece. However, when they left, the city reverted to the Turks. In 1878 it was liberated from the Turks and ceded to Bulgaria by the treaty of Berlin.

The city is modern, with numerous parks, gardens and wide boulevards. Visit the Cathedral, Aladja Monastery, the Stone Forest, the Roman Thermae (Roman Baths' ruins), the Folk Museum. Within a few miles of the city are the renowned resorts of Bulgaria's littoral, favored by the Romans for rejuvenation and relaxation. Today the Bulgarian beaches still seduce with limpid waters and fine sands. Nearby mud baths and hot springs complete the health-promoting effects of warm, reliable sun and sea air.

An interesting fact is that the world's oldest gold jewelry, belonging to Varna culture, was discovered in Varna Necropolis. It dates back to 4200-4600 BC.