Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ethnographic Museum
(ul Vitosha; admission 1 lv; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
This museum features folk costumes
and displays relating to traditional trades and crafts such as fishing, barrel making and
woodcarving.
MUSEUM
SUMMER PALACE OF QUEEN MARIE &
BOTANICAL GARDENS
At the western end of the seafront, this little
palace
(Dvorets; admission 10lv; 8am-8pm May-mid-Oct,
8.30am-6.30pm mid-Oct-Apr)
was completed in 1926 by King Ferdinand of Romania for his English wife, Queen
Marie (Balchik was then part of Romania). It was rumoured that Marie entertained her much younger Turkish lover
here.
Size-wise, it's a relatively modest seaside villa, although the architecture - a blend of Bulgarian, Gothic and
Islamic styles topped with a minaret - is unique. The half-dozen-or-so rooms on show contain original furnishings,
including paintings by Marie, and several photographs of the queen striking dramatic poses in the grounds. Also
here is a curious collection of local archaeological finds, including Roman pottery and mammoth bones.
Behind the palace are the extensive botanical gardens. Around 600 species of flora are featured throughout a
series of themed gardens, including an impressive collection of cacti.
Also within the complex are a water mill, a classical-style nymphaeum, the tiny Chapel of Sveta Bogoroditsa and
even a winery.
If you're travelling here by bus from the southern coast, get off at the bus stop opposite the palace - either look
for the tour buses and souvenir stalls, or ask the driver to drop you off at the
dvorets
(palace). The entrance here
leads into the top end of the botanical gardens. The other entrance is off the seafront promenade. Mugs, fridge mag-
nets and postcards carrying Queen Marie's image can be had at shops at both entrances.
Sleeping
Hotel Mistral $$
HOTEL
