Varna's Gold - The Archaeological Museum

johngayton 2269 reviews

3 more images Varna's Archaeological Museum is housed in the city's former Girl's High School on Maria Luiza Blvd. The building is itself noteworthy, being a perfect example of the functional Neo- Renaissance style. The exhibits are presented in a logical timescale and the multi-lingual explanatory notes for each section are interestingly informative. The museum presents Varna's history (known as "Odessos" during the Greek and Roman periods) from 6,000 BC by intelligent presentation of locally-discovered artifacts. All the expected museum stuff is here - weapons, jewellery, sculptures, pottery etc and the coin collection is particularly impressive (and displayed chronologically in such a manner as to allow the visitor to relate the city's developement in context with the region as a whole). What makes the collection unique are the findings from the Varna Necropolis, dating from the 6th Millenium BC. These are some of the oldest pieces of evidence of human civilization ever found and add a bit of history to an era usually regarded as pre-history. The burial ground was discovered around the Varna Lakes in 1972 during commercial excavations. The subsequent archaeological work has yielded an amazing variety of artifacts showing that as far back as 6,000 BC there was an advanced metal-working and pottery-making culture in the area. The Necropolis finds, as a whole, are of worldwide archaeological interest but it is the 3,000+ pieces of worked gold, weighing over 6 kg, found in the burial chambers that catches the general public's attention. This is a fascinating, well laid out and educational museum but personally I thought the 10 leva entrance fee a little on the expensive side, especially since photos aren't allowed. By all accounts the washrooms are pretty good tho'!

Website has details of opening times etc and makes up to some extent for the prohibition against photography by providing a comprehensive selection of pics. Updated Jan 8, 2010 Address: Maria Luiza Blvd 41 Phone: 052 681030 Website: www.amvarna.com Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Bulgaria/Varnenska_Oblast/Varna378825/Things_To_Do-Varna-TG-C-1.html#ixzz1TJ3OV1wg

Golden sands

mirchica 486 reviews

4 more images Nobody misses to visit Golden Sands if goes to Varna. Its not that it is so special just very popular. Golden sands (or Zlatni Piasatsi) is one of the most famous resorts in Bulgaria. It is full of luxury and small hotels too. A walk on the main alley is pleasant and you can buy souvenirs, unfortunately is very crowded. Restaurants, bars, amusement attractions its just a resort but could be an option for a day trip if you dont choose to stay there. Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Bulgaria/Varnenska_Oblast/Varna378825/Things_To_Do-Varna-TG-C-1.html#ixzz1TJ40Y2qR

Pobiti Kamani - Stone Forest

cold_dead_bunny 95 reviews

2 more images This natural attraction located about 20 km south-west of Varna and is well known worldwide (thanks to Discovery channel:) ). As scientists say, at this place many-many years ago was the sea bed and the water had hewed such rocks on the surface. The entrance is just few leva and the territory of this natural park is quite huge. To see a real big stones (the sight that you actually came to see) you will need to walk like 20 min on the hot hot sand under sun (my body denied such a hike). Though near the entrance you will find several big caves (ex-grottos) that still will give you nice shots. Near the entrance also located souvenir shop that offers you stuff that twice expensive then in any Bulgarian supermarket. Written Aug 2, 2010 Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Bulgaria/Varnenska_Oblast/Varna378825/Things_To_Do-Varna-TG-C-1.html#ixzz1TJ4IUPET

The Roman Baths - Dry These Days!

Helpfulness johngayton 2269 reviews

4 more images Varna has so many hidden secrets tucked away in odd niches and the Roman Baths are one such. I had no idea what street they were on until coming across the freebie "Happy" map on my last visit and they certainly aren't signposted (that I noticed). At first sight I presumed it to be some sort of bio-dome but it turned out that what I thought was a greenhouse was in fact the protective covers over one of Europe's finest preserved examples of a Roman Thermae. The modern Varna is now in the process of hosting Bulgaria's largest shopping mall but the ancient Varna had beaten it by several thousand years as the baths here in Varna were not just a simple bathing affair but had their own street of upmarket shops. In fact the Thermae complex covers about 7000 square metres and looks as if it was originally constructed on three levels. Not bad for a town which at the time had a populus of maybe a couple of thousand! If this is your thing it makes for an interesting wander and there are useful signs, along with artists impressions, to give you an idea of what it would have looked like in its heyday. The Baths are open from 10 am to 5 pm, closed Mondays, and the entrance is 4 leva (Jan 2010). Updated Feb 26, 2010 Address: ul Tzar Koloyan

Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Bulgaria/Varnenska_Oblast/Varna378825/Things_To_Do-Varna-TG-C-1.html#ixzz1TJ4SJ143

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin # 4 of 8 attractions in Varna 1 review The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, built in the 19th century, houses a finely carved iconostasis and bishop's throne as well as some interesting murals and stained glass.

If you're going to visit Varna, here you are the few sites to visit: 1. The Historical museum - there are a lot of arthefacts in it, mainly from roman and thracian times. What you can not miss is the oldest gold on Earth! it is found about 10 km from the museum itself, in Varna Necropolis 2. The Delphinarium - it is true it hasn't been renovated since decade, but it is very nice show; you can also can take a cup of coffee at the backyard coffeshop, when there is just a piece of glass between you and the dolphins 3. The Ortodox Cathedral - the second largest in the country, anyway, you can not miss to see it coming across the city 4. Euxinograd - formal king's summer residence, 6 km away from the city center, built in a french palace style, surrounded by 800 xa beautifull park 5. Roman Baths - the biggest roman remains in Bulgaria, well preserved 6. The Aquarium - a museum of the flora and fauna in Black sea 7. The Planetarium - a nice one, in the court of the Naval Academy 8. The Marine Museum - it is open air museum in the very beginning of Sea Garden Varna's biggest park