Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
29
Mr Baba
E7
D5
31
Tanasi
B2
32
Trops Kâshta
D3
Drinking
F4
34
Punta Cana
F4
Entertainment
35
4aspik
F4
36
Copacabana
F4
37
Exit
E4
F2
A4
History
In 585 BC, Greeks from Miletus settled in the area of modern Varna, founding the city of
Odessos, which thrived as a major commercial centre, taken over by the Romans in the
2nd century AD.
The city became a key port under the Byzantines, and gained its modern name of Varna
(possibly derived from the word for 'water') during the period of the First Bulgarian Em-
pire (681-1018). Varna was used by British troops as a port during the Crimean War
(1853-56), after which Turkey allowed its allies Britain and France to sell their products
throughout the Ottoman Empire, making Varna a great trading centre once more.
In 1866 a railway between Ruse and Varna was built, providing a direct route from the
Danube to the Black Sea coast, and Varna became a major shipbuilding centre and port. In
1921 Varna was established as Bulgaria's first seaside holiday resort, and its status as the
country's summertime playground was enhanced by the founding of the International
Festival in 1926, which has been going strong ever since.
Sights
Archaeological Museum
MUSEUM
