Varna - the Sea Capital of Bulgaria

The Bulgarian city of Varna has a millennial history. It has a good location and good visibility (almost 270 degrees). In the small cape where presently is located the naval station terminal, there was an ancient tribe of fishermen. In 1878 Varna was finally liberated by the Ottoman rule and became the largest port in Bulgaria. At the end of the 19th century Varna was linked to the capital Sofia by railway. Many factories have been built, industrial fishing has grown. Varna is rapidly becoming a naval station undergoing any European influence in architecture and naval transport and at the same time, a privileged place for the Bulgarian intellectual elite. Nowadays Varna is the center of the northern Black Sea coast and a landmark of the construction of resorts around it. The city is an industrial center and recently it became the second largest city in Bulgaria after the capital Sofia.

Places of interest in Varna

The Roman SPA is located in the heart of the city center. They are built in second century during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius and are abandoned during the barbarian invasions in the fifth century. Restored and preserved, they deserve the visits of tourists. In the 14th century there was a pottery and later was built a small district. The Roman Bath is dated from the third century and is built in layers of stones and bricks related to a special mixture, consisting of mortar and tiles and bricks crumbled. The walls are covered with a waterproof plaster, the floor is tiled in marble and the walls in some rooms, too, are covered with marble. In the 5th century the building was substantially enlarged and rebuilt in connection with the expansion of this area of the city. Today, it is an archaeological site to visit.

The Cathedral of the Holy Virgin is considered emblematic for the Bulgaria's sea capital. It rises in the center aisle in front of the theater. A bus that goes to all of the main directions in the suburbs, including the airport, departs from the square in front of the church. The cathedral was built in 1886 by master masons of the time of awakening after a national plan of St. Petersburg. Construction and painting have taken quite long and it was officially opened in 1910. The carved wooden altar and the throne of the bishop are developed by masters from Macedonia Debar. The main compositions of wall paintings were made in 1950.

The Sea Garden is the another landmark of the city of Varna. It dates from the late 19th century. Today in the Garden is located an amphitheater, astronomy complex which is the first in Bulgaria, an observatory, a planetarium and a tower, land attractions and a small channel for sports rowing children, a pool for water cycles and a zoo. The outdoor theater is a center of many events. The central sea baths and the beach are located beneath the Sea Garden: there is a polyclinic, a set of homes for the treatment of curative mud and water spa, two docks, a few restaurants and nightclubs.

The church "Saint Nicolas" is located near the Sea Garden and dates of 1886: it has interesting wall paintings from old masters of icons representing different schools of painting in Bulgaria.

The Russian Monument is located in the park near the sea. It was built in honor of fallen Russian soldiers died for freedom of Varna.

The Asparuh Bridge connects downtown neighborhoods Asparouhovo and Galata. It is the longest bridge in Bulgaria and its construction work continues. The local club of extreme sports including bungee jumping organizes sport events here. To the east of the bridge is seen the bay of Varna and the Cape Galata, in the West - Lake of Varna.

The Archaeological Museum is located in the old building of a school in the era of National Awakening. Visitors have the opportunity to observe models of pile dwellings from the Paleolithic age, the Hall of archaic art and crafts, the room of the old art which presents the most important and impressive collection of objects and relics from the Bulgaria's early Christian church.

The Varna's Art Gallery was opened in 1950. It presents the paintings of the most prominent Bulgarian artists, as well as works by many foreign artists, donated by individuals.

The second biggest Bulgarian sea resort, Golden Sands, lies thirty kilometres north of Varna.

More Varna resources: Varna Guide, Wikipedia, Hotels in Varna, Bulgarian Sea Resorts - Varna, Europe Directory - Varna.

Vienna, Austria - the City of Art

Austria is the land of many capitals - Vienna over the years has been announced as the capital of architecture, culture, music, design and creativity, fashion and many others. The majestic Alps and the extremely clean and covered Austrian towns and villages are crucial for the European civilization and culture of the past centuries. Popular tourist destinations, attracting tourists and visitors continuously with diverse interests who came on holiday or trip are the cities of Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck. There is no less interest in the ski resorts of Tyrol and the Alps.

Vienna is a beautiful and rich city. There are so many attractions so that I am wondering where to start from and who to tell for. Yet let me start with the symbol of Vienna.

1. St. Stephen's Cathedral - situated in the heart of Vienna. It was built over several centuries, beginning as it was launched by Rudolf IV on the ruins of old churches in 1359g. The cathedral was built from limestone and is 107 meters long and 40 m. The highest point is on top of a gothic tower, 136 meters. Its primary color has initially been white, but over time, air pollution and burning of the town at the end of World War II have colored the stones in black. The cathedral has 23 bells, one of which is the second largest in Europe. The interior is very beautiful with many stone sculptures and ornate columns. They overwhelm majesty, gigantic bodies and dimensions of the cathedral, which does not seem so huge when seen from outside. In one corner of St. Stephen cathedral is one of its most popular symbols. This is a carved in stone self-portrait by an unknown sculptor who participated in the construction cathedral's construction. You can climb on foot to the top of the south tower, with an elevator to the top of the north tower, or to enter the catacombs. The entrance to the cathedral is free, but the guided tours to the towers and the underground are paid. According to history, Beethoven learned that he has become completely deaf when he saw frightened birds fly from the roof of St. Stephen, but could not hear the ringing of bells.

2. Prater - The most famous attraction of the park is the Wien's wheel, where you will have an amazing view to the city. It moves very slowly, which allows shooting. Some extreme attractions include the American way, launch towers and the horror tunnels.

3. Hofburg Imperial Palace - Residence of the Hofburg dynasty for 600 years. The complex consists of many buildings in different architectural styles - from Gothic to Baroque. The life of some important historical figures took place here - Emperor Franz Josef I and Empress Elizabeth (Sissi) Maria Theresia. Here was born Marie Antoinette. The complex houses the National Library, Imperial Treasure, ethnographic museum, collections of weapons and musical instruments. On the Heldenplats square are placed statues of Karl who defeated Napoleon and of Prince Eugene of Savoy who defeated the Turks. At present, Hofburg is the residence of the Austrian President.

4. Castle Cathedral, its gardens, the Zoo - summer residence of the Hofburg dynasty. Included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage. You can see the Emperor's chambers in the castle. Here is the oldest zoo in the world, built in 1752. I'm a big fan of zoos, and anywhere I go, I usually visit one. The one here definitely worths. Located on a small area, it is very well organized and is rich of species.

5. Vienna State Opera - Who has not heard of the Vienna Opera?

World famous for its performances and its Philharmonic Orchestra. The building has been completed in 1869 and laucnhed with the opera Don Giovanni by Mozart. So far I have not had the opportunity to go to the show, but you should not miss.

6. The Twin museums - Museum of Natural History and Museum of Fine Arts - The two buildings are designed by the same architects and besides being beautiful architectural works they also contain rich collections. In the Natural History museum can be found collections collected since 250 years. There are skeletons of dinosaurs, a small figurine of 25 centuries, a giant diamond weighing 117 kg., specimens of extinct species.

7. City Hall - The building was built in Gothic style and it is the seat of the city's municipal council. The square in front of the City Hall hosts outdoor performances, Christmas Market, protest rallies, and marches.

8. Belvedere Palace - Complex of two castle with a lovely garden between them.

Here is located the museum of Austrian art. Exhibited are works by Klimt, including "The Kiss".

9. The Danube channels - about 18 km long, it is a center for sports and recreation for the Viennese.

10. Club "Planter's" - a nice bar. The design is colonial in style with leather sofas, wooden tables and bars, palm trees. It is not crowded even when full. Alcohol assortment is amazing - more than 450 types of whiskeys, cognacs and ROMs. Entire room with premium cigars. Incredible atmosphere.

There are many other attractions in Vienna that worth seeing. Walk along the Ring Strasse, Parliament, Burg Theater, anchor watch, Hundertwasser House, Karlskirhe, the Technical Museum, the statue of plague, the modern complex of buildings of the United Nations. There is never enough time to consider everything interesting in and around Vienna. Weeks may compass and find new things in this wonderful city with an aristocratic spirit.

Check for more Vienna and Austria resources in the Europe Directory.