NESSEBUR, BULGARIA

NESSEBUR HARBOUR

NESSEBUR PENINSULAR

NESSEBUR IS A
PENINSULAR 
ISLAND IN THE 
SOUTHERN BLACK SEA.  
IT HAS AN OLD PART OF 
TOWN AND A NEW ONE.

NESSEBUR  FORTEFICATION

HISTORY

A settlement existed over a 9000 years ago where Nessebur is now located. Records show it is the oldest town in Europe. During Romans' times the town was a garrison. However, other times it was of no great significant.

In the 2nd century the Thracians took it over and named it 'Mesambria'.

510 AD the Dorians settlers turned it into a Greek town and built theatres and temple to their Greek god, Apollo.

812 AD Khan Krum conquered the town and then in 864 AD the Byzantines took it over.

The Slave name Nessebur or 'Messebar' has been in existence since the 1100's.

The town became most important during the reign of King Alexander I. Documents show that the town was given many donations to built churches and monasteries. There could have been as many as 40 churches being built at that time.

1366 Nessebur was conquered again by the Byzantines' Amedei VI and his crusaders,

In 1371 the Turks took over and used it as a harbour to ship corn and wood, especially for shipbuilding. After Bulgaria's Liberation, the town reversed back to a fishing town.

In 1956 the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the many beautiful medieval Bulgarian and Byzantine architecture.

Nowadays, is an ideal place for sunbathing and swimming in clear blue sea all along the sandy golden beach.

However, if you go through the old town walls you will find yourself in Nessebur Old Town. The cobbled streets, old houses, taverns and pretty gardens make you feel being transferred back to Medieval times. Gift shops selling wood carving, paintings pottery and more which adds to the atmosphere. You will find lovely restaurants, either in the old town or along the beach, which serve home-cooked dishes of Bulgaria or Europe and the menu is in Bulgaria/English.

The most impressive church is Old Bishop's Residence with beautiful decorated colonnades and arches. This church is in the centre of town.

St. Stefan Church is near the harbour and its facade is covered by many-glazed ceramic figures. It was built in the 10th century.

St Ivan the Baptist Church dates back to 11th century. You can marvel fragments of frescoes dating back to the 13th century.

The Basilica which is built on the coast is believed to be built around 5th century.

NESSEBUR  ST JOHN
ALITURGETOS CHURCH

St. John Aliturgetos Church is considered the most beautiful. It is located high above the harbour and the impressive facades makes the church simply outstanding.

Apart from all these beautiful churches there are ancient house from the 16th to the 19th century built in very unique styles. The craftsmanship which went into these houses is nowhere else to be found and is to be marvelled at.

Further interesting buildings are the Old Town Gate, Turkish Baths and a windmill which has to be seen to be believed.

Hotels cater for any size of pocket but if you are coming in the summer please do book in advance. For eating and drinking you will be spoiled for choice.