Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
Greek colonists founded what became the thriving trading port of Mesembria in 512 BC,
although most of their temples and towers were submerged after the level of the Black Sea
rose around 2000 years ago.
Under Byzantine rule, during the 5th and 6th centuries, several grand churches were
erected and the fortifications extended. After the Bulgar invasion in 812, the town was re-
named Nesebâr; over the following centuries, it passed back and forth between Byzantium
and the First Bulgarian Empire (681-1018) but remained largely unscathed, finally falling
to the Turks in 1453.
During the Bulgarian National Revival of the 18th and 19th centuries, Nesebâr
prospered, and wealthy merchants built grand villas here, some of which remain today.
Nesebâr ceased to be an active trading town from the early 20th century, and these days it
survives almost entirely on tourism.
Sights
A multiticket (adult/child 10/5 lv), sold at the Archaeological Museum, gives access to
Sveti Stefan Church, Sveti Spas Church and the Archaeological Museum. Combined tick-
ets for the Archaeological Museum and Sveti Stefan Church cost 8/4 lv. Opening times
below are for July and August; slightly shorter hours will apply for the rest of the year.
Nesebâr was once home to about 80 churches, but most are now in ruins. Characteristic
of the Nesebâr style are the horizontal strips of white stone and red brick, and facades dec-
orated with green ceramic discs. Except where indicated, each church is open daily during
daylight hours and admission is free.
Around 1.5km west of the old town is
South Beach
. All the usual water sports are
available, including
jet skiing
and
waterskiing
. The longer sandy shores of Sunny Beach
(Slânchev Bryag), just a few kilometres up the coast, are an alternative option.
