Varna is one of the most ancient cities in Bulgaria. It was founded by Greek seafarers more than 2500 years ago. This is where the oldest gold treasure in the world – the Varna necropolis treasure. That is why it is assumed that a civilization flourished in this location many years before the ancient Greeks.
In the time of the Roman Empire the city was an important port from which ships would sail for destinations across the entire Mediterranean. The Roman Thermae in Varna are evidence of the richness of the city in those times. In the Middle Ages the city was an important port for the Bulgarian Kingdom and the Byzantine Empire. In the High Middle Ages and the National Revival period Varna continued to be one of the most important stops across the Black Sea.
Thus people from different parts of the world came to the city and enriched it with their culture. In the course of centuries they lived side by side and left buildings, churches, mosques and traditions to future generations, one such example being the Catholic church in Varna.
Then, in the vicinity of the city, one can enjoy Aladja monastery where the monks’ cells are hewn in the rock. There they would contemplate faith amidst the bountiful nature surrounding the monastery.